LATEST CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Last Updated
18th March 2020
We appreciate that many of you will have concerns about the coronavirus (Co Vid19) and the precautions that the school is taking.
Please be reassured that the school is acting on all the advice that we receive regularly from Public Health England and the DFE in relation to this matter. Whilst we can understand that people are concerned it is important that we act proportionately and listen to the expert advice that we are given in order not to create unnecessary alarm or concern. The chair of governors and the school are in regular communication about this matter and the school leadership team also meet regularly and discuss the ongoing situation to ensure we take appropriate steps to plan for any eventuality.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
- Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using public transport.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Thank you for reiterating these messages to your child and your continued support. We will contact you again with any further updates that we receive.
Anna Raleigh – Director of Public Health at WSCC has also provided the following information for schools and parents:
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolating is a precaution to provide people with health advice about any symptoms in case they become unwell. These people are being advised to “self-isolate” which means they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people as a precaution. It does not mean they are ill and people who have had contact with these individuals do not need to take action. Those who have been told to ‘self-isolate’ are being asked to avoid other people and stay at home and not go to work or school. During this time, they will be supported by Public Health England, who are monitoring them and will undertake further testing if they show any symptoms of the virus, and provide any further care needed.
In answer to the question – Should I send my child to school?
Yes. The safety, welfare and wellbeing of all in our school community is our primary concern and a constant dialogue has, and will continue, to take place with the relevant authorities to ensure that the school acts in accordance with guidance. We are working in collaboration with, and being guided by, the Local Authority and Public Health England to ensure that we are acting consistently with the right medical advice. The Local Authority has confirmed to us that Public Health England and the office of the Chief Medical Officer are clear in their advice that schools do not need to close.
At this present time, there is a low risk for anyone attending our school. On advice from the Chief Medical Officer, the risk has been declared as “moderate” – a level which allows the government to plan for all eventualities but that ultimately, that the risk to individuals remains “low”. Please contact the school if you are thinking about keeping your child at home.
On the basis of this advice, the school will remain open. We will continue to keep you updated with any advice that is passed to us.
Where do I get accurate information from?
Please also be aware that media speculation is rife about Coronavirus and not everything you read in the newspapers and online is accurate. The release of trusted and accurate information will always be released initially by the Chief Medical Officer. Further guidance will then be issued by Public Health England, the Department for Health and Social Care or the NHS. The Local Authority will also support those messages.
You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice:
Like with other illnesses, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close
contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand
contact.
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
- Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands with soap and water
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public
transport. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.