A school in St Albans has confirmed a positive case of Covid-19 coronavirus.

Samuel Ryder Academy located on Drakes Drive has released an email today (March 17) to parents.

In the email, the school said they were made aware a "member of the school community" has contracted Covid-19.

This newspaper understands that it is a student that has been diagnosed with the virus.

The email added the person who has coronavirus has not been in the school for the past 11 days.

The school said it has contacted Public Health England and "all necessary actions have been taken to ensure the health and safety of all".

The email read: "In school we continue to encourage good hygiene including the frequent and regular washing of hands and the use of hand sanitisers that we have installed.

"In light of the Government advice announced yesterday, we are taking further steps to reduce contact in school including postponing parents' consultation evening for Year 10 on Thursday of this week.

"I am sure you will join me in wishing the person concerned a speedy recovery.

"These are challenging times for all and thank you for your continued support."

The school was approached for comment several times this morning.

Currently in Hertfordshire, there are 29 positive cases of coronavirus and some school children have been told to self-isolate.

Stanborough Secondary School in Garston, Watford has completely shut until the end of the month.

It told students last week to self-isolate for 14 days after a member of the school community tested positive for the virus.

The school said it has arranged for a deep clean to be carried out to help prevent the illness from spreading.

Hertfordshire County Council has also been preparing schools for possible closures.

The council said it has been advising schools on what to do if schools are told to close.

A spokesperson said: "We provided all schools with a list of useful resources for effective online learning in case of school closure."

The council explained it is following the advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education in relation to school closures.

The University of Hertfordshire also released a statement last week which confirmed a student had tested positive for the virus.

The university spokesperson said they are working closely with NHS and Public Health England "to support the affected student, who is being looked after at home".