Dear Parents or carers                                                                                                                                

Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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.

You are likely to be aware of the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and the subsequent confirmed cases in the UK. At Cliftonville Primary and Pre-School, we take the health and safety of our pupils and staff very seriously, so we’re sharing guidance from Public Health England with you.

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

The advice being given currently is that schools should not close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England.

The advice also states that we are to continue life as normal and to make sure everyone carries out the basic hygiene rules to stop the spread of any virus.

A new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education has been launched. 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)

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
• 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 have returned from these specific areas since February 19th, you should call NHS 111, stay indoors, and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms:

• Iran
• Specific lockdown areas in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Northern Italy as designated by the Government of Italy
• Daegu or Cheongdo in South Korea
• Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days)

If you have returned from these areas since February 19th and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS 111:

• Northern Italy (defined as North of Pisa but not including Pisa, Florence and Rimini)
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Myanmar

If you have a cough, or fever or shortness of breath and have visited any of the following areas in the last 14 days stay indoors and call NHS 111 informing them of your recent travel to the city.

• China
• Thailand
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Macau