A whole year group is being asked to stay at home as St Ninian’s High School in Douglas struggles to cope with the current outbreak of Covid-19.

Pupils in year nine (aged 13 and 14) should stay at home on Monday.

The news comes after similar problems at Ballakermeen and Ramsey Grammar School. Ramsey’s year nine pupils should also stay at home on Monday.

In a message to parents, SNHS headteacher Chris Coole says the school was already struggling and experiencing high levels of staff absence.

Several more teachers have told him they would not be able to go work tomorrow because they were now Covid positive.

Pupils should use Google Classrooms to study.

In his message to parents, Mr Coole says: ‘Please be assured that this decision has not been taken lightly and we have tried to do everything to avoid this scenario but with the volume of teachers and support staff currently absent and all contingencies available fully utilised, I have little option.

‘I will assess the situation tomorrow when in school and will inform you all then as to what alternative arrangements, if any, will be required for Tuesday and the rest of the week.’

To see the latest Covid-19 figures click here.