CHILDREN and staff at a Taunton children's nursery have been ordered to self isolate after a toddler tested positive for Covid-19.

The youngster, who is four or under, is one of four children in Taunton confirmed to have caught the virus.

But most of the children and staff at Mama Bears Nursery, on the Bridgwater and Taunton College campus off Wellington Road, have been told to self isolate for two weeks.

Those who came into direct close contact with the chlid in question have been told to self isolate. Other children do not need to self isolate, but the nursery is currently closed.

Two pupils at Bishop Fox's School, one each in Year 7 and 11, and one Year 6 pupil at Parkfield Primary School have the virus. All three have been told to self isolate for a fortnight.

It is not believed the four cases are linked.

A new ‘Somerset Covid Checker’ has been launched in the wake of the cases to support parents in knowing what actions to take if their child starts to display coronavirus symptoms.

It comes after Somerset sees an increase in cases over the last fortnight (69 new cases), including the four children.

The schools and nursery involved are following Public Health England guidance, have deep cleaned all areas and have asked children and staff who came into close contact with the positive cases to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council said: “As cases of coronavirus increase nationally and across Somerset, it’s incredibly important we all know what to do if we start to show symptoms.

"This ‘Covid Checker’ is a great way for parents to know what action to take if their child starts to display symptoms.

“Firstly, it’s important that you and your household self-isolate and book a test if anyone shows symptoms.

"Please do not have a test unless you have symptoms and if you can’t get a local test slot, please keep trying online or phoning 119 as local slots do become available throughout the day.

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“Secondly, it’s important you continue to self-isolate from the moment you display symptoms until you have the test result – and if it’s positive, you need to continue self-isolating for ten days from the start of your symptoms, and the rest of your household 14 days. Only if it’s a negative test result or your self-isolation time is complete can your child return to school.

“Please remember that until there is a vaccine, the only way we have to stop this virus spreading is to think ‘Hands, Face and Space’. Wash your hands with soap and water often and at least 20 seconds, wear a face covering if you can and please keep your distance from others.”

Mama Bear's celebrated 10 years in Taunton this month after it was opened by founders Tony and Bev Driffield in 2010.