Coronavirus reassurance after high school ski trip

Letters giving advice on coronavirus have gone out to families of ski trip pupils at Oban High School.

Online posts on social media and phone calls from parents whose children were among a ski party to Italy earlier this month have prompted a letter of reassurance from head teacher Peter Bain.

NHS advice regarding the coronavirus COVID-19 is that risk to pupils who were on the trip is very low.

But Mr Bain’s letter had advised if any of them developed respiratory symptoms in the next two weeks they should contact a GP, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Currently none of the pupils are displaying any of the coronavirus signs such as a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath – all similar to cold and flu symptoms.

The trip travelled to Artesina in the west of Italy in the province of Cuneo and outside Lombardy, an area of concern.

Mr Bain said the school had been answering individual questions as they arose but while the important virus story was in the media, he thought he would send out reassurance to parents.

He said the letter was based on the advice of NHS medical staff and the issue had been discussed with Argyll and Bute

Council’s Health and Safety Department as well as the NHS Health Protection Team which was monitoring events.

The advice given is based on the geographical location where the children stayed and also the timespan they spent in Italy.

‘What the NHS have noted, though not highlighted in media reports, is that they are concerned with visitors returning to the UK after February 19. In which case the advice is very different. Our trip returned on February 16,’ said Mr Bain.

He added it was important not to be complacent but in line with public health guidance, anyone who had no symptoms could carry on as usual and attend school, adding: ‘I am pleased to report that no pupils attending this trip present symptoms that would indicate they are infected.’