Coronavirus update
Coronavirus is going to be with us for some time, and getting the response right, as individuals, as a school, as a local community, and nationally, is vitally important. We are reading the guidance every day, and will respond to changes as they occur.
Preventing the virus from spreading further than necessary is a common good. Each new case increases the likelihood that more vulnerable members of society will contract the virus, and this could place them in danger. We all have a duty to do everything we can to act in a public spirited way, and to ensure we are doing our bit to reduce the chances that we are spreading the virus around.
Part of this duty involves increasing our knowledge and understanding of the situation. There is a huge amount of easily digestible information online. I have found the BBC website helpful. Families may wish to have a discussion with their children about the importance of collective responsibility, and ways we can all act to help others.
Next week in assemblies, as well as reminding students about hand washing and personal hygiene, Jeremy Silk will be explaining to students the basics of the mathematics of an epidemic, and the calculations that underlie government calculation of risk.
In the meantime, official advice has not changed, but must still continue to be applied: if you have recently returned from a category 1 country, self-isolate, call 111, and get yourself tested. If you have returned from a category 2 country or area and have flu-like symptoms, self-isolate, call 111 and get yourself tested.
Other current advice from Public Health England remains in place:
1. No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case, unless advised to do so by Public Health England.
2. The importance of hygiene:
- Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle COVID-19, especially washing hands more; and the catch it, bin it, kill it strategy for those with coughs and sneezes.
- Please help in sharing simple and effective hand hygiene messages: https://twitter.com/NHSuk/status/1235112744917049346
3. Department for Education Coronavirus helpline:
On Monday a new helpline was launched to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. 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)
With best wishes
Nicholas John
Headteacher