Drapers’ Maylands Primary School in Settle Road sent a letter to parents and guardians alerting them to the closure from today (January 17).
The letter, addressed from headteacher Trudy Spillane, read: “Good morning, we have a suspected Norovirus outbreak in school.
“Due to advice from the HSE, school must remain closed today,
“We will send further information out as soon as we receive this.”
Norovirus is commonly known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ according to the NHS, and causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Symptoms can also include a high temperature, a headache, and aching limbs, and typically start suddenly within one to two days of being infected.
Norovirus is easily spread and can be contracted by touching infected surfaces and then touching your mouth, contact with someone infected, or by consuming food prepared by an infected person.
NHS guidance advises frequent handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol hand gels do not kill the bug.
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The Romford Recorder contacted the school for a comment and a spokesperson acknowledged the letter it sent to guardians.
We were told they are following advice from Public Health England, and that the school would also be closed on January 20.
They advised that they are “not prepared to provide a statement”.
