Coronavirus – Advice to schools, Early Years Settings and Colleges (last updated March 2020)
The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad.
Situation in the UK as of 5th March 2020
87 patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus.
Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. This permits the government to plan for all eventualities. The risk to individuals has increased from low to medium.
Returning travellers
Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately if you’ve travelled to the UK from:
- Hubei province in China in the last 14 days, even if you do not have symptoms
- Iran, lockdown areas in northern Italy or special care zones in South Korea since 19 February, even if you do not have symptoms
- other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)
- other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.
- Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
- In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.
- In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47.
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
This guidance is based on the recommendations of the UK Chief Medical officers. These areas have been identified because of the volume of air travel from affected areas, understanding of other travel routes and number of reported cases. This list will be kept under review.
For areas with direct flights to the UK we are carrying out enhanced monitoring. Passengers will be told how to report any symptoms they develop during the flight, at the time of arrival, or after leaving the airport.
Read more about what you should do if you’re asked to self-isolate.
The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data on a daily basis at 2pm until further notice https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.
Information about the virus
A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.
As it is winter, most respiratory illnesses in the UK are due to the common cold and other viruses, including influenza.
The UK is well prepared to deal with any cases of coronavirus that arise. We are one of the first countries in the world to have developed an accurate test for coronavirus, and we have the ability to scale up this test should the virus be detected in the UK.
The NHS has expert teams in every ambulance service, and specialist hospital units with highly trained staff and equipment ready to receive and care for patients with any highly infectious disease, including coronavirus. Specific guidance on handling the Wuhan coronavirus has been given to NHS staff.
Current evidence is that most cases overseas appear to be mild.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
However, symptoms may not become apparent until up to 14 days after exposure.
Advice for parents/guardians
Parents and Guardians should not be unduly worried about the possibility of their children catching the Coronavirus.
There is no reason why children should not continue to attend their early years, school or further education setting as normal.
It is recognised that some families or children may be planning to travel abroad during the Easter holidays. If so, please refer Parents to the FCO’s latest travel advice via the link https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
What should the public do if feeling unwell?
If you are feeling unwell and have not been contacted by Public Health England, then there is no need for concern.
You should continue to treat your symptoms as usual for seasonal flu or a common cold. If you feel unwell and do not know what you should do, then call NHS 111.
As always, if you have symptoms of a cold or flu, then there are measures you can take to bugs spreading:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
What can schools do?
Public health England has issues specific guidance for educational settings and this should be followed by the school.
If you are a school and have questions around Coronavirus please get in touch as we offer an advice service to schools. support@cousinssafety.co.uk
Where can I find more information?
Information for the public: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Blog and frequently asked questions: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
Travel advice for those travelling and living overseas: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus