Dear Parent/Carer,

I am aware that the reported outbreak of the coronavirus has caused some concern. As a school we are working closely with York City Council who are themselves receiving regular updates and advice from Public Health England and the Department for Health and Social Care.

Current intelligence suggests that the coronavirus is behaving in a similar way to seasonal flu which we are all used to dealing with every winter. The World Health Organisationand Public Health England are monitoring the situation in China and as more intelligence is gathered it will improve our understanding of the infection and how to prevent its spread.

Public Health England says that typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

The latest information and advice is provided by Public Health England and is available to view at: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

The advice from Public Health England is to maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene measures:

• Washing hands regularly but especially after coughing or sneezing and prior to eating.
• Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol rub
• Cover the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing, coughing, wiping or blowing your nose – think ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!’
• Don’t share cups, cutlery without washing in detergent first.

We will of course keep you informed of any change in advice from the appropriate health bodies or York City Council. In the meantime the school will operate as normal and pupils will be encouraged to follow the sensible hygiene measures shared above.

Yours sincerely

Caroline Hancy
Head Teacher