North Yorkshire parents urged to keep children off school if they are ill

It's to help stop the spread of flu, covid and scarlet fever

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 4th Jan 2023

Parents across North Yorkshire are being reminded to keep children at home if they are ill or have a fever. It's after reports of high levels of flu, covid and scarlet fever.

For many it's the first day back in class after the Christmas break.

Jenny Rogers is the Head at Copmanthorpe Primary in York and says they'd already introduced some measures before the holidays to keep everyone safe: "Increased ventilation, increased hand hygiene, the best advice around that is for the children to wash their hands with soap and water for around 20 seconds, so we teach them to sing Happy Birthday twice, and then hand sanitiser if the hand washing isn't available, and we make sure we plan time in throughout the day to do that."

If your child is unwell - please keep them at home

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is also reminding people to follow steps to help protect children and minimise the spread of illness.

Prof Susan Hopkins, Chief medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.

“Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.

“Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings unless urgent, or visit vulnerable people.

“Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and in some cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late.”

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