Today, Thursday 27 February, the Evening Standard has published a story in relation to the Government’s advice to schools regarding Coronavirus.
Since the first reports of Coronavirus, the Government has consistently kept the public up to date with the latest health and travel advice including the launch of a widespread public awareness campaign in January. This advice has been relayed directly to schools by the Department for Education and updated on a weekly basis. The overarching public health advice is being updated every day by the Department of Health and Social Care.
The latest advice from Public Health England was sent by the DfE to all education institutions yesterday (26 February), including that those returning to education settings from trips overseas do not need to take any action beyond that advised for the wider population.
Also on Wednesday (26 February) Health Secretary Matt Hancock addressed parliament about this issue, reiterating the advice to schools to follow advice from Public Health England and seek further advice if needed.
A Government spokesperson said:
A widespread public awareness campaign on Coronavirus launched in January - reinforced with specific advice sent directly to all schools on 4 February which has since been updated every week.
This is a global and dynamic health issue, changing every day, which is precisely why the Government is making sure the public – including schools – are updated with the very latest advice through direct correspondence, online and through the media.
You can read more about guidance from government on our blog post from yesterday.