A HIGH school has issued advice in relation to the coronavirus after some pupils returned from a school trip in Northern Italy.

Rainhill High has shared advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education with parents as a precaution.

Pupils on the trip did not visit any of the towns in Italy which are in lockdown due to virus.

On Wednesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged schools not to close because of coronavirus scares after children returned home from ski trips to Italy.

Some head teachers around the country have taken evasive action and shut down schools after staff and students came down with 'mild flu-like symptoms' after returning from the Alps.

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A letter from Rob Owens, chief operating officer at the school, said:

"You may be aware that during half term the school visited Northern Italy on a ski trip. The trip did not visit any of the towns currently in lockdown (designated as ‘category 1’ areas).

"Milan airport has been deemed, by the Foreign Office, as safe to travel to and from but that passengers can expect to be thermally scanned to medically check for whether they have the virus.

"The latest advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education can be viewed here, which should hopefully reassure you.

"In summary, the latest advice from the government is that anyone who has visited the Northern areas of Italy (in addition to any other category 2 area) should isolate themselves and call 111 only if they show symptoms of the Coronavirus:

cough

difficulty in breathing

fever

"The above symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has COVID-19 infection:

"It is important to recognise that the risk of catching Coronavirus is minimal.

"Public Health England and the Department for Education go on to say that If anyone has been in contact with a suspected case in a childcare or educational setting, no restrictions or special control measures are required, there is no need to close the setting or send other learners or staff home.

"The school will, of course, monitor the potential symptoms within the pupil and staff populations, in particular those who travelled on the ski trip.

"Parents/Carers should note though that we are still in the winter season where viruses are common, with the symptoms of Coronavirus being very similar to those of a heavy cold/flu.

"Within school we will promote good hygiene practice:

Frequent hand washing of the hands including the nails.

If sneezing, blow into a handkerchief or disposable tissue then wash your hands again.

Increase cleaning of all furniture surfaces, door handles, equipment that is handled.

Please rest assured that, as always, pupil and staff safety at the school is of paramount importance and should any updated advice be received, we will issue this to you via Edulink and our website".

Meanwhile, Rainford High says it has also been following government guidelines after some pupils had visited Italy for a trip.

The school says the students did not visit any affected areas.