Coronavirus: Miltoncross Academy warns of confirmed Covid-19 case in 'school community'
A SCHOOL has warned parents of a positive coronavirus case.
A letter from Miltoncross Academy executive headteacher Fiona Calderbank has been shared across the school’s social media saying there has been a ‘confirmed case of Covid-19’.
The secondary school, in Milton Road, is to remain open.
The letter read: ‘We have been notified of a confirmed case of Covid-19 amongst our school community.
‘Based on the current advice of Public Health England, our school will remain open and students are required to attend normal. In line with the guidance, anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is now advised to self-isolate for seven days.
‘Public Health England has been informed and we are acting on their advice, for example about who to inform and what action to take in school such as deep cleaning. Rest assured we will contact families directly as soon as possible if necessary, so there is no need to contact us to find out whether your child is directly affected.
‘We, of course, remain extra vigilant and are encouraging pupils, parents and staff to continue taking additional precautions; this includes maintaining high levels of personal hygiene, regularly washing hands and following the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it advice when sneezing or coughing.
‘As you would expect, we already promote these practices at school and we would appreciate your support in continuing to encourage the same at home.’
The school has requested anyone with questions contacts the team directly by emailing [email protected].
It comes after a coronavirus case was confirmed in Portsmouth on Saturday.
The number of cases in Hampshire stands at 55, as of 9am Sunday and a 69-year-old man in Hampshire has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
There were 1,543 confirmed cases across the UK as of 9am on Monday.
Coronavirus: the facts
What is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What caused coronavirus?
The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.
How is it spread?
As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.
What precautions can be taken?
Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.
Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS