Corona Virus - updated advice from Public Health England
24th February 2020
Dear Parent/ Carer,
Re: Coronavirus concerns
You are likely aware of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China and the subsequent confirmed cases in the UK. At St Mary’s Catholic Academy, we take the health and safety of our pupils and staff very seriously, so we’re sharing guidance from Public Health England on steps you should be taking.
There is currently no cause for concern at the school, but we will keep you informed about any developments and ensure we are keeping the school clean to prevent the spread of any virus.
Prevent the spread of infection
Make sure you and your children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any respiratory virus:
Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water are not available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
If you feel unwell, stay at home and do not attend work or school
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home
If you’re worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111 – do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment
If you or your children have returned from anywhere in Hubei province in past 14 days
Contact NHS 111 for advice, and:
Self-isolate for 14 days after leaving Hubei (see the home isolation advice sheet for help with this).
If you become unwell, call NHS 111 immediately for an assessment (or 999 if you require emergency medical
attention) – see below for the symptoms to look out for:
If you or your children have returned from a specified area in last 14 days
The specified areas are:
China (other than Hubei)
Hong Kong
Japan
Macau
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
If you or your children are well:
You don’t need to avoid contact with other people
Your other family members don’t need to take any precautions or make any changes to their own activities
If you become unwell (see below for a list of symptoms):
Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses (see the home isolation advice sheet for help with this)
Call NHS 111 immediately for an assessment (or 999 if you require emergency medical attention)
Symptoms to look out for
If you’ve returned from the specified areas or Hubei, look out for the following symptoms:
Cough
Difficulty in breathing
Fever (a temperature of 38 degrees C or higher)
According to other official guidance, while you wait for further advice:
Avoid contact with others
Stay at home – don’t go to work or school
Do not travel while sick
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing,
throwing tissues in the bin
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available)
If you or your child have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Turner.