1 Overview

This policy is designed to provide you with important information about the Coronavirus outbreak and what we are doing to support our staff and our children. Please continue to take time to read the information and ask questions if you have any concerns.
This policy is non-contractual, it may be amended or added to at any time and it will be updated, as appropriate, to reflect changing advice.

2 Symptoms

The main symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19) (Coronavirus Symptoms) are:

• a new, continuous cough
• a high temperature
• shortage of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The Coronavirus Symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Current guidance indicates that among those who become infected, some will exhibit no symptoms. Of those who do develop an illness, the majority will have a mild to moderate illness similar to seasonal flu. A minority will develop complications severe enough to require hospital care, most often pneumonia and in a small number of these the illness may be severe enough to lead to death.

3 Preventative steps and hygiene

We are taking all reasonable steps to protect your health and safety.
We require all to follow these simple steps to help stop the spread of germs like Coronavirus.

Do:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – only use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Always wash your hands when you get home
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t:

• Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

4 At risk groups

Current advice is that the risk of severe illness increases amongst people aged 70 and over and those with underlying health risks, such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women have also recently been included in the “at risk” group.
Please tell us if you think you are at risk:
4.1 Because you are in one of the high-risk groups or you care for someone who is considered to be high risk; or
4.2 Because you have recently returned from one of the countries considered to be high risk (you can check this here); or
4.3 You have been in contact with, or live in the same household as, someone who is being tested for, has tested positive for Coronavirus or has been advised to self-isolate because they have coronavirus symptoms.
We will conduct an individual risk assessment for anyone we believe to be in a high-risk group and will put in place appropriate safeguards.

5 What to do if you are advised by a medical professional to self-isolate

New government advice is that people should stay at home if they, or anyone in their household has Coronavirus or has symptoms of Coronavirus. Those at high risk may also
have to self-isolate even if they, or anyone in their household doesn’t have symptoms.
This means you should:

• Stay at home
• Not go to work or public areas
• Not use public transport or taxis
• Ask friends, family members or delivery services to carry out errands for you
• Try to avoid visitors to your home, although it’s okay for friends, family and delivery drivers to drop off food

You may need to do this for up to 14 days (longer if you are in a high-risk group) to help reduce the possible spread of infection. Please follow the advice you are given.
Please follow any additional advice given to you by health professionals. The NHS has detailed advice on self-isolation available here.
The government has up to date information for individuals who have travelled overseas and returned to the UK. If you have been abroad recently, please consult this and inform us if you are required to self-isolate.

6 Where to find up to date information

UK Government: Social distancing and protecting high risk groups
UK Government: travel information including information about ‘high risk’ countries/regions and information for people travelling overseas.
NHS: information about Coronavirus
World Health Authority: latest advice
UK Government: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
UK Government: Guidance for businesses
NHS: guidance on staying at home
UK Government: guidance on staying at home