With the government closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus, the overall risk at the moment in the UK still remains moderate. Even though you shouldn’t be unduly worried about the possibility of your children catching the Coronavirus and there is no reason why your kids shouldn’t continue to attend school as usual, we understand that parents are still going to have concerns. Here’s some more information and advice regarding the Coronavirus.
What Is The Coronavirus?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019.
How Concerned Should I Be?
As of 28 February 2020, a total of 8,986 people have been tested in the UK, with only 20 testing positive. Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.
What Can I Do As A Parent?
Ensure Basic Hygiene
It’s important for everyone to continue to support the UK wide campaign of the advice on how to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. It promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue or the crease of your elbow. Make sure your children are aware of the ways to slow the spread of the virus, are always carrying tissues and are washing their hands at school more than they normally would. For example:
- before leaving home
- on arrival at school
- after using the toilet
- after breaks and sporting activities
- before food preparation
- before eating any food, including snacks
- before leaving school
- after touching public doors
Recognise Symptoms And Know What To Do Next
The Coronavirus will show flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough & difficulty breathing. If you or your child does start to feel unwell, it’s important to stay away from others, avoid attending work or any educational settings and stay at home to stop the infection spreading. It is also advised not to go to your local GP, pharmacy or a hospital and instead call NHS 111 if you are concerned. In an emergency always call 999.
Discuss It Properly With Your Children
It’s completely normal for your children to be worried about the Coronavirus, especially if they have heard things at school or online and don’t properly understand. Rather than saying ‘Don’t worry about it, you won’t catch it’, it’s important to ask your children what they’re actually worried about and what they’ve been hearing in school. Together you can listen to their concerns, discuss what is real and what isn’t as well as reassure them by giving practical advice such as washing hands regularly.
Consider Online Tutoring
With some schools closing as a safety precaution due to students and staff returning from school trips of countries of concern, it’s important to consider other flexible learning avenues for your children. We recommend considering online tutoring as it delivers the same high-quality experience as one-to-one learning. All of our students are carefully matched with a tutor based on learning style and personality and a custom-tailored programme is created just for them. Not only can this be a short-term option during the time of concern of the Coronavirus, but if for any reason your child’s school is closed for a longer period of time, it’s important they’re still able to continue learning. For more information regarding our online tutoring options, click here.
For the latest information and advice from the Government regarding the Coronavirus, please check this page: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
