Coronavirus: Melton schools staying open for now

The UK government raised its reponse to a ‘delay’ phase yesterday (Thursday) and told everyone with a high temperature or cough to self-isolate for a week.

Sports matches and big public events have today been suspended until early April but Westminter says closing schools at this stage is not essential because Covid-19 does not affect children as much as other vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with underlying health issues.

Mowbray Education Trust, which manages John Ferneley College in Melton and Ab Kettleby, Brownlow, The Grove, Sherard and Somerby Primary Schools, says lessons continue as normal for now.

HR and operations director Heather Robinson told the Melton Times: “We are really proud of how our schools are handling the on-going coronavirus situation, encouraging our students, staff and visitors to take extra precautions in this unprecedented time.

“We will continue to follow the guidance provided to us by Public Health England over the coming weeks.”

Long Field Academy, which is part of the Spencer Academies Trust, also remains open although trips abroad will be cancelled,

A spokesperson said: “There are no planned changes to timetables or school opening.

“All Spencer Academies Trust schools will continue to open as usual, and to take specific public health advice on a daily basis.

“Planned overseas travel from schools has been suspended.

“This will remain the case for the foreseeable future, and does not affect planned trips within the UK at this time.”

Melton Vale Sixth Form College head, Kirstie Johnson, has written to parents to outline procedures being taken to protect the health of students and their families.

She writes: “We are asking all staff and students who have travelled to any of the broader geographical areas affected by COVID-19 not to attend school, or to return home if they are in school, should they develop any symptoms.

“Once staff or students have received advice from the NHS, staff and students will be allowed to return to school only where the NHS have indicated it is appropriate.

“Where staff or students who have visited the quarantined towns in northern Italy, Hubei Province, Iran or any other high-risk areas identified by the government, we will ask students and staff not to attend school and advise them to immediately self-isolate and seek further advice from the NHS.”

Her letter continues: “Students who are off school due to illness or quarantine will be provided with appropriate school work and support from individual class teachers and the school pastoral team.

“For students who may be at higher risk should there be an outbreak at the school, we will be contacting parents individually to keep them updated more frequently.”

Five residents of Leicestershire have so far tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

As of today, 11 people in the UK have died after contracting it.

There have been 798 cases reported across the country, an increase of 208 on yesterday.

Health officials in the UK estimate the actual number of people infected could be up to 10,000.