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Coronavirus: what you need to know

Dear Parents/Carers

We are continuing to keep you updated on the Government’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Public Health England advises that the risk to individuals in the UK remains low.

Where to find the latest information

Public Health England blogOfficial guidance says to take proportionate steps to minimise the chance of any infection spreading. Read this to be clear on what you should be doing, including if staff or children have returned from Hubei or specified countries.

This is an evolving situation, so the advice below may change based on new information.

This article is based on current guidance from Public Health England

Pupils or staff who’ve just come back from abroad:

If you have returned from the following specific areas since 19th February, you should call NHS 111 and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms:

• Iran
• Specific lockdown areas in Northern Italy (see link to maps below)
• Special care zones in South Korea (see link to maps below)
• Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days – see link to maps below)

If you have returned from the following areas since 19 February and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS 111:

• Northern Italy (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini – see link to maps below)
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Myanmar

If you have a cough, or fever or shortness of breath and have visited any of the following areas in the last 14 days, stay indoors and call NHS 111 informing them of your recent travel:

• China, apart from Hubei province (see link to maps below)
• Thailand
• Japan
• Republic of Korea, apart from special care zones (see link to maps below)
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Macau

Maps showing affected regions of China, Republic of Korea and ItalyAdvice for those who have travelled recently in a group, such as a school trip

There is no need to manage returning groups any differently. Pupils, students and staff returning from trips to the countries specified above should follow the same advice.

Where to find the latest information

Public Health England blogGuidance for educational settings

How to prevent spread of infection:

You are likely taking the steps below already, as they’re the same general principles you use to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus.

• Wash their hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching eyes, noses and mouths with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If they feel unwell: Call NHS 111 and do not go to your GP if worried about symptoms
• Cover their coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a closed bin
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces