A RUGBY club in Dorset will remain open despite confirming a positive test of COVID-19 within the club.

North Dorset Rugby Football Club, based in Gillingham, recently made the announcement with the person displaying symptoms last in the club on Thursday, September 17.

In a letter from the RFC chairman, Greg Pearce, it said: “We have been advised that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the club. This correspondence is to inform you of the current situation and to provide advice.

"Please be reassured that for most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness.”

It later added: “Our review of the situation has concluded that the person with symptoms did not come into close contact with members or staff. The club therefore did not need to take any action relating to any other individual members or staff.

“The club will remain open. We continue to ensure high standards of hygiene and maintain plans and guidance to support safe rugby activity and social distancing.”

This follows the news that a COVID-19 case was confirmed at Gillingham Secondary School on Thursday (September 24).

A map, based on Public Health England data, accessible through the government’s coronavirus dashboard, has revealed that between Friday, September 18 and Thursday, September 24, there were four positive cases in Gillingham.