Ysgol Y Deri special school re-opens without hot water as legionella bacteria found during testing

A special school in Penarth has re-opened after low levels of the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires Diseases were found on the site. Ysgol Y Deri in Penarth was closed briefly as a precaution after the bacteria was discovered during testing of the hot water system at the school.

On Wednesday, November 23, the school released a joint statement with the Vale of Glamorgan council on social media saying that testing of the hot water system at the school had revealed the presence of very low levels of the bacteria Legionella at certain locations on the site and that it would be closed until Monday (November 28).

There have been no confirmed cases among pupils and staff, and the school re-opened on Monday, November 28 with the hot water having been shut off as a temporary measure as well as bringing in water pumps and hand sanitiser supplies. The school and Vale of Glamorgan council has advised parents that symptoms of Legionnaires Disease are similar to colds, influenza and winter bugs, and to only seek medical advice if symptoms cannot be managed at home. Legionella is transmitted where water droplets are inhaled, such as from shower steam, sprays from water and other aerosol generating procedures.

A joint statement from the school and the Vale of Glamorgan council said: “During routine testing of the hot water system and hot water pumps at Ysgol Y Deri, very low levels of Legionella, the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires Diseases, were found at certain locations on the school site. Ysgol Y Deri was closed briefly as a precaution due to the medical vulnerability of some pupils.

“Although the risk posed is low, the duty of care the school and Council has to pupils comes before any other consideration and their welfare will always be put first. There have been no confirmed cases of infection among either pupils or staff and work was done to ensure Ysgol Y Deri could open safely from Monday. This includes shutting off hot water, bringing in water pumps and hand sanitiser supplies. This is a temporary measure while arrangements for a permanent solution are made.

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