Newsflash – Friday 13th March 2020

13 Mar 2020

Message from Mr Marshall

Dear Parent/ Carer, Re COVID-19

Given the national and international news coverage regarding the spread of this infection I am writing to update you with the latest information and advice, which we have received in school. Clearly, this is a very worrying time for everyone but I would like to reassure you that the risk to individuals remains low and there is currently no information to suggest that there is an increased health risk to any of our pupils or staff in school. I can confirm that there have been no reported cases of the virus in school. The government, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientist, have said that schools should remain open and that children should continue to attend as normal. This is a huge relief given that we are only a matter of weeks away from the GCSE examinations. Families should continue to follow the advice of the NHS and Public Health England if they are concerned about a child’s health. We will of course keep you updated with any changes to this advice via the school website and social media platforms. We are reassured that, of those who catch the coronavirus, the great majority will have a mild to moderate flu-like illness that will pass in a week or two. There is nothing in the research to suggest that children will be badly affected if they contract the virus but we do need to take simple precautions to protect ourselves from the spread of the virus. Please encourage your child to follow the good hygiene advice issued by the NHS at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus . Students should ensure that they wash their hands frequently and thoroughly throughout the day using the facilities provided as this is the best way to protect themselves and others from the spread of the disease.

Mr S Marshall