Advice on the coronavirus for places of education

How serious is the coronavirus? 

• it can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough & difficulty breathing
• the infection is not serious for most people, including children 
• there is currently no vaccine 
• most people get better with enough rest, water to drink and medicine for pain

How likely are you to catch the virus? 

• you can only catch it if you have been close to a person who has the virus 
• the chance of being in contact with the virus is currently low in the UK 
• if you have travelled to areas where many people are infected, your chance of catching the virus is higher, i.e. China and any affected areas  

How can you stop coronaviruses spreading? 

If you need to cough or sneeze

• Catch it with a tissue
• Bin it 
• Kill it by washing your hands with soap & water or hand sanitiser 

You should wash hands with soap & water or hand sanitiser

• Before cooking & eating
• On arrival at any childcare or educational setting
• After using the toilet
• Before leaving home 

Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands 

Do not share items that come into contact with your mouth such as cups & bottles 

If unwell do not share items such as bedding, dishes, pencils & towels 

What should you do if you feel unwell? 

Keep away from others and stay at home to stop the infection spreading. Avoid public transport if you think you have symptoms of coronavirus. If you become unwell at a place of education, tell a member of staff and let them know if you have travelled to any other countries in the last 14 days. 

If your staff member or parent thinks you have symptoms of coronavirus, they should call NHS 111 for advice. Follow the UK Government advice for childcare or educational settings gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19. Parents can visit NHS.UK to find out more information. Teachers and support staff should follow the UK Government advice. 

Staff, students and pupils who have returned from Wuhan and Hubei Province in China should self isolate, and NOT attend education or work for 14 days. See NHS.UK for advice on coronavirus.