Sheffield school moves to calm social media panic over coronavirus

Aston All Saints CE Primary School on Lodge Lane in Aston sent a letter on Tuesday (February 25) outlining the position of the school regarding pupils who had traveled to affected parts of the world.

In the letter, the school’s headteacher, Mrs S Mellor, says their commitment to their pupil’s wellbeing was ‘paramount’, but that they had to follow 'expert advice and opinion’ which was 'clear and unambiguous’.

At the moment, Public Health England are advising people to self-isolate only if they develop symptoms.

The advice goes on to say people can continue to go to work and attend school and do not need to avoid contact with other people.

And it adds people do not need to take any special precautions, but are advised to carry a mobile phone so they can inform people if they do become unwell.

If people do develop symptoms, people are advised to isolate themselves at home and to call 111 to be assessed by an 'appropriate specialist’.

It is not currently being recommended to test people for coronavirus who do not have any symptoms, however.

Affected areas include China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand – with people who have traveled to these areas in the last 14 days being asked to be aware of the latest advice.

For more information on coronavirus and self-isolation, visit the Public Health England website.