Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Coronavirus (Covid 19) concerns

You’re likely aware of the outbreak of novel coronavirus and the subsequent confirmed cases in the UK. At Berkeley Primary School, we take the health and safety of our students and staff very seriously, so we’re sharing guidance from Public Health England and North Lincolnshire Council on steps you should be taking.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirusinformation-for-the-public

We will keep you informed about any developments and want to reassure you that we’re keeping the school clean to prevent the spread of any virus. All children have recently been taught a refresher lesson about hand washing and we will continue to encourage children to do this. 

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 – we have taught the younger children to sing the ‘happy birthday’ song which takes about 20 seconds

 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 – don’t go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment

If you or your children have returned from a category 1 country or area in the past 14 days

This includes:

 Wuhan city and Hubei province, China

 Iran*

 Daegu or Cheongdo, South Korea*

 Any Italian town under containment measures*

*Only if you’ve returned on or after 19 February 2020

Contact NHS 111 for advice, and:

 Self-isolate for 14 days after leaving the country or area (see the home isolation advice sheet for help with this - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novelcoronavirus-self-isolation-for-patients-undergoing-testing/advice-sheet-home-isolation )

 If you become unwell, call NHS 111 immediately for an assessment (or 999 if you require emergency medical attention) – see below for the symptoms to look out for

If you or your children have returned from a Category 2 country or area in last 14 days

This includes:

 Cambodia

 China (other than Wuhan city or Hubei province)

 Hong Kong

 Italy: North*

 Japan

 Laos

 Macau

 Malaysia

 Myanmar

 Singapore

 South Korea (other than Daegu or Cheongdo)

 Taiwan

 Thailand

 Vietnam