School closes down for day after COVID-19 health alert

AN East Lancashire school closed for the day as a “precautionary measure” after pupils visited Italy on a recent ski trip.

St Christopher’s CE School in Accrington said they took the decision to close following advice from Public Health England and the local authority.

A group of pupils took part in a ski trip at the alpine resort of Pila in Italy, which is not currently a coronavirus lockdown area.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Richard Jones said: “As a precautionary measure and pending further information from Public Health England, governors have taken the decision to close the school on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

“Pila in Italy, is currently NOT in a lockdown area. However, the advice is that if you have returned from northern Italy since February 19 and develop a cough, fever and or shortness of breath, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately call NHS 111.

“You do not need to follow this advice if you have no symptoms.”

More than 200 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Italy and seven people have died.

Italy has now confirmed more cases of the COVID19 virus than any other countries except China and South Korea, partly due to large-scale efforts to test thousands of people within days.

Accrington Academy made the decision to remain open under similar circumstances.

Leaders released a statement assuring parents that the students did not visit any areas under lockdown in Italy.

In a statement they said: “The guidance by Public Health England is very clear in that only if you have visited a lock down area and are exhibiting any symptoms that you should contact NHS 111 and self-quarantine for 14 days.”