Information for the public on the outbreak of coronavirus in China, including the current situation in the UK and information about the virus and its symptoms.

 As you will be aware, there is increasing concern about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Whilst we have no intention of stirring up unnecessary alarm amongst parents and students, we do not want to be complacent. We would like to work in partnership with parents to ensure that we minimise the risk of this virus spreading to our community.

What action you can take

A UK wide campaign has been launched to provide clear advice on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

Please help to support the campaign which promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.

As the virus has now spread to other countries, there is particular concern about anyone returning from holidays in the affected areas of northern Italy and Iran. You will appreciate that we want to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our students. Please follow the Government guidelines if you have recently returned from one of the affected areas.

For full information and advice, visit the Government website here 

As of today, advice for returning travellers is as follows:

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 Koreasince 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.

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.