You’re likely to be aware of the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and the subsequent confirmed cases in the UK. At Bridgnorth Endowed, 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’s currently no cause for concern at the school, but we’ll keep you informed about any developments and ensure we’re 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 aren’t 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 don’t 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 – don’t go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment
If you or your children have returned from anywhere in Hubei province in the last 14 days
If you or your children are currently well:
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with flu viruses
- Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area
- Your other family members don’t need to take any precautions or make any changes to their own activities
If you become unwell:
- Please call NHS 111 immediately in order for you to be assessed by an appropriate specialist in hospital, as quickly as possible
- Follow the home isolation advice sheet
If you or your children have returned from a specified country or area in the last 14 days
Please refer to the current list of specified countries and areas.
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:
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses
- Follow the home isolation advice sheet
- Call NHS 111 immediately in order for you to be assessed by an appropriate specialist in hospital, as quickly as possible
Symptoms to look out for
You should look for any of the following symptoms in the 14 days after the day you return from specified countries and areas:
- Cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fever (a temperature of 38 degrees C or higher)
If you have any of these symptoms:
- If it’s an emergency, call 999 and tell them which country you have returned from in the past 14 days
- If you’re unwell, but it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 and tell them which country you have returned from in the past 14 days
While you wait for further advice:
- Avoid contact with others
- Stay at home – don’t go to work or school
- Don’t travel while sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, then throw 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)
Department for Education
The Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
- Phone: 0800 046 8687
- Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
- Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
If you or your child have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 01746 762103 or email Sue Underhill at SUnderhill@bridgnorthendowed.co.uk.
