By Daniel Wood
Kirklees schools and health services have been sending out warnings.
Up to date advice has been shared by Huddersfield schools and GP surgeries after cases of the Coronavirus were discovered in Yorkshire.
Kirklees parents have been advised to continue sending their children to school, as the virus continues to spread across the world.
Texts and emails have been sent out urging parents not to be “unduly worried” about their children catching the virus. This comes after five members of the same family, including children, have been diagnosed with the virus.
School Advice
At Birkby Infant and Nursery School and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, an email from the Department for Education was shared with parents.
This gave advice for all early years providers, schools and further education providers.
It read: “The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad.
“The overall risk of Coronavirus to the UK remains moderate. However, we understand that people may be concerned where there are children, students or staff returning from or visiting China.
“You should not be unduly worried about the possibility of your children catching the Coronavirus.
“There is no reason why your children should not continue to attend their early years, school or further education setting as normal.
“We recognise that some families or children may be planning to travel to China during the forthcoming half-term period.
“If so, please refer to the FCO’s latest travel advice.”
Kirklees Health Service Advice
Kirklees health services have also been helping spread the word.
At Waterloo Surgery, patients have been receiving text messages alerting them of Coronavirus symptoms. They have also advised them what to do if they believe they have been exposed to the virus.
The text message read: “If you are worried that you have been travelling or come into contact with a traveller who has the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus and now have symptoms yourself of fever or cough or shortness of breath STAY INDOORS and avoid contact with others. CONTACT NHS 111 for advice.”
There have been a total of eight confirmed cases in the UK. One person has successfully recovered from the virus, while the other 7 still currently carry but are not severe cases.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Witty had some advice for dealing with potential carriers.
He suggested to advise anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath, to stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if symptoms are mild.
For further information, visit:
www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
