Tuesday 25 February 2020
A decision was taken earlier today to send home all of the children who were on the Grammar School ski trip to Piedmont during February half term.
The children were sent home because the trip was to an area of Northern Italy near to the locations where that have been confirmed cases of COVID-19. Public Health England issued guidance today, Tuesday 25th February, saying that anyone who has been to this region and who has symptoms that can be associated with coronavirus should self-isolate at home and avoid contact with other people.
Public Health Services are aware that at least one returning student is currently showing the relevant symptoms and will be tested for coronavirus. Because of this, and following further advice from Public Health England, we are currently asking that all children who travelled on the trip should self-isolate at home until we have the results for the students we are testing.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said:
"The relevant symptoms for a coronavirus (cough, fever, shortness of breath) are common to many winter illnesses which are frequently seen at this time of year. The risk to the children and staff attending this ski trip is currently considered to be low and our actions at this stage are precautionary."
All children who have been sent home today will be contacted by Public Health Services for further advice.
Ed Ashton, Director of Operations for Education, said:
"We have been working closely with colleagues from Public Health, who in turn have been in regularly contact with the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre Headteacher. Public Health are the experts and lead agency and therefore it is essential to follow the advice they have provided. We fully support the precautionary action they have asked the school to take."
Self-Isolation advice, and other advice from our team relating to COVID-19, can also be accessed here: www.gov.gg/coronavirus
