Latest Information on the COVID-19 virus

Dear Parents and Carers

As a precautionary measure we would like to share with you the current NHS advice on the Corona Virus or COVID-19 illness. However, this advice is being updated frequently and updates can be found using the following links to ensure you access the most up to date advice and guidance:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

Advice updated as of 26th February 2020

What is the risk of catching coronavirus in the UK?

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. But the risk to individuals remains low.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

a cough
a high temperature
shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu and most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

NOTE:

You only need to stay away from public places if you have been advised by NHS 111 to do so, or you have developed symptoms and have been:

to Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
to Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or "special care zone" areas in South Korea since 19 February
to other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
to other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus

Lockdown areas in northern Italy

in Lombardy: Codogno, Castiglione d'Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano
in Veneto: Vo' Euganeo

Special care zones in South Korea

Daegu
Cheongdo

If this applies to you, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

How can I protect myself?

The WHO says:

Wash your hands - soap or hand gel can kill the virus
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing - ideally with a tissue - and wash your hands afterwards, to prevent the virus spreading
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth - if your hands touch a surface contaminated by the virus, this could transfer it into your body
Don't get too close to people coughing, sneezing or with a fever - they can propel small droplets containing the virus into the air - ideally, keep 1m (3ft) away