A HAMPSHIRE school which was forced to close after dozens of pupils fell ill in a suspected Norovirus outbreak is set to reopen today.

It comes after a deep clean was carried out at Marchwood Junior School, following the outbreak of what health officials are calling a 'Norovirus' type illness.

A statement on the school's website by headteacher Laurie Andersen said: "I am writing to confirm we will be open tomorrow (Tuesday).

"The school has had an intensive clean since Friday because of the number of children who were physically unwell in the school building.

"However, if your child has been unwell, please ensure they do not return to school until at least 48 hours after the last time of being sick.

"It is likely they will make other children unwell if they return to school too early.

"If your child feels unwell but has not actually been sick, please give them a day to rest tomorrow.

"In this current situation, we would prefer they missed a day off school than came in and were sick in school."

As previously reported in the Echo, around 45 pupils and five staff fell ill with the bug.

School chiefs took advice from Public Health England on which action to take, before later deciding to close the school for a deep clean.

A notice on the school's website, from headteacher Laurie Anderson, said: "There is a sickness bug currently in school which seems to have escalated today.

"Please note the school will be shut on Monday 3rd December in order to deep clean the school.

"Please ensure that your child does not return to school until 48 hours after the last episode of sickness."

Yesterday, bosses at Public Health England South East confirmed they advised the school to close – a decision which was taken by the school

Jill Morris, Consultant in Communicable Diseases at PHE said: “To reduce the possibility of further onward infection we have provided appropriate advice to the school, who have undertaken a deep clean of the premises, and provided information and advice to people with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting.

“As always in episodes of gastrointestinal illness, the advice is to pay particular attention to good hygiene.

"It is vital to wash hands thoroughly using liquid soap and warm running water after using the toilet, before and after handling food and after contact with any animals and pets.

"It is also important to maintain food preparation practices to avoid infections, all meat should be thoroughly cooked and fruit and salad items should be washed before eating.

“Anyone who is concerned about vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms should phone NHS 111 or your GP for advice.”