Multiple schools in the North West close over coronavirus fears
A school in Cheshire will be closed for the rest of the week after staff and pupils visited a coronavirus - hit region of Italy.
Cransley School, in Northwich, has taken the decision to close the school after NHS clinical services advised any staff or pupils who went on a ski-trip to Bormio to self-isolate.
A letter from the Headteacher, Richard Pollock, said: "Following a ski trip by 29 pupils and 5 staff from Cransley School to Bormio in Lombardy over half term, a small number of pupils and staff began showing mild flu-like symptoms yesterday."
He added: "All pupils who are unwell should inform NHS 111 and insist on being tested for the Coronavirus.
"I am attending a dedicated ‘pod’ at Warrington General tomorrow myself. Pupils should not use public transport or taxis."
The advice from Public Health England on matters such as this is that the school should remain open, however, Cransley have decided to close to "completely minimise the possible spread of infection".
The letter also said that the school will be "deep-cleaned" during the closure.
Another school in Cheshire, Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich, has also been affected by travel to Italy.
The school has said on Twitter that it will remain open but that the Sixth Form College will close due to "staff shortages".
They added that they are following government advice on the matter.
Sandbach High School have also confirmed that some of their staff and pupils are in self-isolation after going on a ski-trip to Aprica (Northern Italy, Lombardy region).
They have said that no one is currently presenting any symptoms.
Cheshire East Council have released the following statement: "We are in regular contact with Public Health England to ensure that the very latest guidance for returning travellers is implemented, as the situation continues to develop.
We are liaising closely with Brine Leas School and Sandbach High School to offer appropriate support and guidance to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and the public."
The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone returning from parts of Italy north of Pisa, who have flu-like symptoms, should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately.
Several areas in Northern Italy are in lockdown in an effort to contain the virus.
Italy has over 200 confirmed cases of the virus, the most in Europe, and six people have currently died.
If you have travelled back from Italy and are worried about the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus), you can find all the information you need on Public Health England's website.