Coronavirus: Portsmouth nursery 'confirms' first case of Covid-19 in one of its children

Tops Day Nursery, at the Lakeside business park in North Harbour, has said it has been ‘made aware’ a child has allegedly tested positive for the disease.

Parents were informed about the situation yesterday, with a letter from the centre’s health and safety manager confirming the news.

A full deep clean has since been carried out at the childcare facility, as leaders today insisted the site would remain open.

Amy Alderson, operations director for Tops Day Nurseries, said: ‘Due to a high volume of suspected cases in the area, not all people presenting with symptoms are being confirmed medically by swab. This case was confirmed via a telephone consultation with a GP after discussing their symptoms.

‘Anybody presenting with a continuous cough or a temperature over 37.8 are being sent home to self-isolate for 14 days, as per government advice.

‘We have completed a deep clean at the setting, all parents have been informed and we are following advice from Public Health England.

‘As per government guidance, we will remain open to ensure that we can provide care for the families that need us to.’

The news comes as Britain’s death toll hit 55, with a total of 1,543 cases of Covid-19 nationwide, as of Monday morning.

Hampshire is the most infected region in the country outside of London, with 55 confirmed cases.

However, the government has warned infections rates are likely to soar, piling pressure onto the healthcare system.

Cheryl Hadland, managing director for Tops Day Nurseries, said it was critical their centres remained open to support families who work in the NHS.

She said: ‘The service we provide means we are just behind the front line – several of our nurseries are on hospital sites, and most of the rest look after children whose parents work in the NHS and emergency services.

‘Therefore, our commitment is to stay open so that NHS staff can work. It is important that we remain united and support each other in any way possible, and I am proud that we are able to help.’

Tops Nursery has more than 100 children on its books. It was rated ‘good’ during its last inspection by education watchdog Ofsted, in 2018, with monitors praising the site for its ‘outstanding’ approach to welfare, giving Tops the highest grade possible.