As you will be aware, there is currently an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) that is believed to have started in China.

Cases have been confirmed across China and in other countries, with an increasing number of confirmed cases in the UK, where the risk to individuals is still currently low. Common symptoms include fever and a cough. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and lung disease.

To reduce the risk of infection, please take simple precautions such as: cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze; put tissues in the bin straight after use and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The following websites are updated regularly on the UK and global situation and include further advice on how to limit the spread of the virus and what you should do if you think you may have contracted it:

1. The Department of Health
2. World Health Organisation
3. NHS advice website

Services For Education are monitoring the situation in relation to the impact on schools within the Birmingham area.

If you (or close friends and/or family) have recently travelled back from abroad please ensure you have read the guidelines on the government website, in particular, the advice to returning travellers from known affected areas. If you have any related health concerns please contact 111 as per the NHS advice website.