Coronavirus: Doncaster school tells some students to self-isolate after Italy trip
Hall Cross Academy ran the trip to Bormio over half term
A Doncaster school's told kids who were on a half term ski trip to Northern Italy to stay at home, as fear grow over the Coronavirus outbreak.
Pupils at Hall Cross Academy got back from thetrip in Bormio in Northern Italy on Sunday.
The school now says it's acting on advice from Public Health England and asking staff and students who went to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days
Principal Simon Swain said in a letter to parents:
"I am writing to inform you that following advice from Public Health England, we have asked staff and students who attended the half term ski trip to Italy to remain at home and self isolate for 14 days.
"I can reassure you that we have no confirmed cases of coronavirus amongst any members of the school community and the above action has been taken as a precaution having taken advice."
Seven people have died from Coronavirus in Italy and more than 200 are infected. It's the European country worst-affected by the outbreak.
Mr Swain goes on to say:
"Students who did not attend the ski trip should continue to attend school unless they develop symptoms as detailed in my previous correspondence. If your son/daughter does develop symptoms, they should remain at home and you should call 111 for further information.
Two other South Yorkshire schools who ran trips to Northern Italy over half term have been told by Public Health England they don't need to self-isolate children as they weren't in areas that are under quarantine.
Bradfield School in Sheffield and Rawmarsh Community School in Rotherham say they've both written to parents of those on the trips.
A spokesperson for Bradfield School said:
"Bradfield School have contacted Public Health England and have been advised that, as the trip did not go to or near a quarantined area of Italy, there is no need to isolate anyone who went on the trip at this stage. Parents / Carers of those attending the trip have been informed that students should continue to attend school as normal.
"Tapton School Academy Trust is issuing guidance to all parents / carers and staff, directing them to the latest updates on travel to and from certain areas, and the latest Government advice."
Matthew Turton, Associate Head Teacher at Rawmarsh Community School said:
“I can confirm that 36 students and staff from Rawmarsh Community School recently returned from Folgardia and Milan in Italy on a school visit.
“As a precaution, we have spoken with Public Health England who have confirmed that neither Folgarida or Milan are in the containment areas affected by Coronavirus, so it is very much business as usual for the school and all students.
“We are writing to parents today to provide reassurance and to reiterate official health advice.”