A school has been told by Public Health England it doesn't have to shut completely after a teacher tested positive for coronavirus.

The teacher at Heacham Junior School, external in west Norfolk had been in a socially distanced meeting with three other staff before falling ill. All involved are now self isolating, although the school said they were not showing any Covid-19 symptoms.

Image source, Google

A statement, external on the school's website said: "Public Health England does not believe we need to close the school at this stage.

"We have, however, made the decision to keep the Albatross and Avocet bubbles closed for the remainder of this week. This is not a decision we've taken lightly, but we believe it is in the best interest of our staff and children. Our aim is to reopen these bubbles on Monday, 15 June."

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Pete Cooper
BBC News

The Burston Strike School Rally in Norfolk has been cancelled due to coronavirus.

The event was due to be held on 6 September and marks the longest industrial strike in British history.

It is the first time since the rally started in 1984 at the village near Diss that the event has not been held.

Image source, Getty Images

Miles Hubbard, one of the organisers from the union Unite, said: "It would be unwise to go ahead."

He said the event, external would return "just as vibrant" next year.

The Burston Strike School was established as a result of the sacking of two teachers, Tom and Kitty Higdon, in 1914.

Children and parents then refused to attend the local Church of England school and instead an alternative school was set up on the village green, which remained open until 1939.

Past speakers at the rally have included Jeremy Corbyn, Tony Benn and Diane Abbott.

The Norfolk and Suffolk health trust communications manager said it was 'saved' from scrutiny.

BBC Look East

A former boat builder, who was furloughed from his job, has turned his hand to sewing and is now making face masks.

Mickey Sykes, from Stalham in Norfolk, has sold more than 2,500 and is employing two other people.

Materials like elastic have doubled in price, and once the cost of postage is factored in too, profit margins are very small, he said.

"People are losing their jobs and struggling for money. Who wants to pay for an £8 mask when £3.50 is reasonable, affordable and realistic in the situation?"

Patrick Byrne
BBC News

A dance music festival that usually attracts about 20,000 fans on each of its three days in September has been postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Image source, Sundown Festival

The Sundown, external event at the Norfolk Showground, featuring drum & bass, electronic, garage, house and pop artists, had been planned as one "one of our most epic parties to date", the festival website said.

Acts due to play this year included Loyle Carner, Sean Paul, Fredo, Becky Hill, Wilkinson and Example.

"The continued impact of this unprecedented situation will limit our ability to deliver the festival experience that you guys expect, and most importantly to deliver it in a way which protects you, the artists, our team and the local community," it added.

Tickets will be valid for the next Sundown on 3-5 September 2021.

"Look after each other, big up the NHS and all those working hard to enable us to come together again soon," the website added.

Eddie Hunn turned 100 on Sunday but could not see family or friends nearby because of social distancing.

• The Eastern Daily Press, external is reporting that the landlord of a Norwich pub says it may not be financially viable to reopen until social distancing guidelines are relaxed
• The Lynn News, external highlights dentistry which continues to be disrupted by the coronavirus with health officials warning of a "skeleton service" as some practices reopen for emergency procedures
• The Great Yarmouth Mercury, external reports that the James Paget Hospital has teamed up with an "international bid" to assess the impact on behaviour and wellbeing of the Covid-19 lockdown

Patrick Byrne
BBC News

To encourage cycling, a bike share scheme operator in Norwich is offering 200 free cycling minutes to the first 1,000 residents to download its app.

Norfolk County Council, external has set up a share scheme with operator Beryl to encourage more cycling, which has increased in popularity since the Covid-19 lockdown began.

To access the local #BetterByBike promotion residents need to download the free Beryl App, external from relevant smart phone stores and follow the messages.

Image source, Beryl

Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "With government restrictions now easing and more bike bay locations on the way, we hope more people will be able to get out and give them a try, benefiting both the environment and the economy."

Beryl chief executive Philip Ellis said: "68% of car journeys in the UK are under five miles. A quarter are under one mile.

"Cycling isn’t the option for all trips - but by making the switch for short journeys, people can free up valuable space on public transport, reduce congestion on our roads and make streets safer."

Image source, Malcolm Jarvis

Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle is putting on a virtual exhibition to showcase new work which they are unable to put on public display during the coronavirus lockdown.

The group, which has more than 200 members, is marking its 135th year, having been established in 1885.

Submissions can be made on the organisation’s new website, external ahead of the online exhibition which will take place between 1-30 September 2020.

One of the downsides of the steady easing of the coronavirus lockdown measures has been the increase of litter in parks and beauty spots as people are allowed to travel again.

Image source, Essex and Suffolk Water

Image source, Essex and Suffolk Water

Essex and Suffolk Water has posted pictures on its Facebook page, external showing the effect on its sites.

The post said: "We were devastated to find the state some people have left one of our sites."

The pictures were taken at the Lound Lakes nature reserve in between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

"Makes my blood boil" is a typical reply to the post.

"Perhaps it needs to close again until people find some manners," is another.

The site is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, external.

Image source, Essex and Suffolk Water

Image source, Essex and Suffolk Water

A woman who made 220 bags for health workers to wash their scrubs in without contaminating their other clothes has been praised.

On social media, Broadland Council thanked Tracey Cooper, from Thorpe St Andrew, Norfolk, for making the 'scrub bags' and delivering them to staff.

Do you know someone going above and beyond in your area? Email us and share what they're up to.

Norwich artist Ruth Knapp paints a Black Lives Matter graffiti for the third time.

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One of Britain's biggest independent stores is facing a "huge challenge" as it prepares to reopen.

Jarrold, a five-floor department store in the centre of Norwich, is celebrating 250 years of trade this year.

The historic department store has been shut for 12 weeks, since the start of the UK lockdown. All 390 staff were furloughed.

"Lockdown has certainly been a huge challenge and now we face the new challenge of trading in a very different environment," said Minnie Moll, chief executive of Jarrold Retail.

Some 30 staff are currently preparing the store to allow for social distancing measures, with 100 staff expected to be working when it reopens on 15 June.

Despite an upturn in online trade, Ms Moll said a trading recovery would be "long and slow".

"There's no room for complacency," she added.

The victim, aged in his 20s, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jarrold has a department store in the centre of Norwich and celebrates 250 years of trade this year.

The musicians have practising together after moving into a country house before lockdown.

The artwork supporting the anti-racism movement was covered with black paint following a complaint.