The health and well-being of all of our students and staff is our top priority and as such we are following, and closely monitoring, the advice from the government and NHS. I wrote to you last week to provide information about the situation regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) as it was then, and I would like to share with you the latest advice that has been provided today jointly by the Department for Education and Public Health England:
Department for Education Coronavirus helpline
Today, we have 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 has 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.
Where to find the latest information
Updates on COVID-19:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Guidance for educational settings:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19
Travel advice for those travelling and living overseas:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Understandably, the press coverage has worried a number of students, but we are seeking to reassure them through assemblies this week to Years 7, 9 and 10 by providing a ‘rational perspective on Coronavirus’ delivered by the Head of Science. This covers the background to the current situation, a balanced summary of the risks of transmission and infection and a summary of the recommendations for personal protection which have been provided by Public Health England. The presentation used during the assembly will be available on the school website by the end of the week and you may wish to watch this with your child if you feel it is appropriate, particularly if they are in Years 8 and 11.