A member of staff at St Mary's Primary School in Tetbury has tested positive for the Coronavirus.

Headteacher Jo Woolley confirmed the news in a letter sent to parents earlier today.

The school will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, with the hope of re-opening on Wednesday.

It was also announced today that a second person from the county has also tested positive for the virus, with Gloucestershire County Council confirming the cases are linked with both people becoming infected in Northern Italy.

READ MORE: Two cases of Coronavirus in county are linked after Tetbury primary confirms member of staff contracted virus in Italy

In the letter sent to parents it said: "I can comfirm that a member of staff at the school has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently getting all necessary support and advice from health services.

"Whilst I fully understand this will cause anxiety amongst the school community, I can assure you all necessary steps are being taken to minimise risk to others.

"A deep clean of the school was carried out on Saturday, February 29.

"All people who have had contact with the person have already been identified, contacted and know if they need to exclude themselves from school.

"From a health perspective it's not necessary to close the school, we do have some operational difficulties with staff members and so I have taken the decision to close the school, hopefully re-opening on Wednesday.

"The best thing we can all do it to make sure we follow the public health advice which is to: Catch coughs and sneezes with a tissue, dispose of the tissue in a bit immediately and then wash your hands with soap and water of hand sanitizer.

"Wash your hands with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) frequently and especially on arrival and before leaving home or any childcare or educational setting, before cooking and eating, after using the toilet, and after breaks or sporting activities.

"I will update you when i have further information to give."

The staff member at the school is one of three new patients who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus with the new cases being confirmed in Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire.

Debra Lapthorne, Centre Director for Public Health England South West, said: “Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case.

"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.

!If you have not been contacted by Public Health England, you do not need to take any action at this time.

Sarah Scott, Director of Public Health for Gloucestershire County Council said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and that we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Gloucestershire are protected.

 “Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then throw it away – catch it, bin it, kill it."

There are now 23 confirmed cases in the UK.

Professor Chris Whitty said two of the patients had travelled back from Italy with another returning from Asia.

He confirmed all three cases are being investigated and contact tracing has begun.