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Smithdon High School

Coronavirus Updates for Schools and Educational Environments

Please see below Government Issued advice with regards Coronavirus as at 1425 hrs on 13 Mar 2020

The  advice given by the Department of Education in association with Public Health England  has been drawn up to assist schools and other educational settings in providing advice for pupils, students, staff and parents or carers.

Full information and guidance can be found on the Government website by reading the ‘Guidance - COVID-19: guidance for educational settings’ see link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline

On Monday 2nd March 2020  the Department of Education 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)

No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England.

The Importance of Hygiene

Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle COVID-19. Please help us in sharing simple and effective hand hygiene messages.

Public Health England have published a poster with advice on the Coronavirus and how we, as a school and a community, can help stop the spread. To download please click on the link below:

Public Health England - Advice on the Coronavirus for places of Education - Poster

Public Health England have also set up a  dedicated webpage with a range of posters and digital materials at:

https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/101-coronavirus-/resources

Sign up is quick, free and means you will be alerted as more resources are made available.

Travel

Furthermore, please be advised that persons travelling from the countries/areas that have been affected  are to follow the advice noted under Category 1 or Category 2.

Category 1: Travellers should immediately self-isolate, even if asymptomatic, and call NHS 111 to inform of recent travel.

Category 2: Travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.

Full guidance and advice on these categories and maps of the areas that have been affected can be found by following the link below to the information provided by Public Health England 'Guidance COVID-19: Specified countries and areas with implications for returning travellers or visitors arriving in the UK'

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas-with-implications-for-returning-travellers-or-visitors-arriving-in-the-uk

If you have travelled to or know of students that have visited these areas or you have any concerns please contact the Headteacher and they will endeavour to provide advice if necessary.

NHS Information 

In addition to this information all parents and staff should read the NHS Information Sheet regarding Coronavirus by clicking the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Where to find the latest Information

All Government Updates on COVID-19 can be found on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Public Information - 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 can be found in 'Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice' published by Gov.UK please link on the link below to view:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Travel advice -  for those travelling and living overseas:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

Guidance for Employers - The Department for Business (BEIS) and Public Health England have issued guidance for employers, which you can find at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-covid-19
 

West Norfolk Academies Trust will keep you updated via our school websites if any new information becomes available.

Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.