Information about COVID-19

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Links:

• COVID-19: guidance for educational settings
• Coronavirus poster
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice
• ACAS Coronavirus: advice for employers and employees
• https://twitter.com/educationgovuk

As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. Based on current evidence, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing.

Advice for childcare settings

Local authorities in England were issued with guidance to disseminate to early years providers, schools and further education providers about how to keep the virus at bay. As part of this, a UK wide campaign has been launched to provide clear advice on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

Settings can help promote the campaign which promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses. There is a helpful poster you may wish to download and display within your setting.

You may also wish to plan activities for children that help them learn the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of infections.
Public health England have issued guidance titled ‘COVID-19: guidance for educational settings’, the guidance contains information about the virus, how it is spread and the ways to prevent infection. It also gives details what to do if a child or staff member becomes unwell if it is believed that they have been exposed to COVID-19.

The DfE have created a helpline offering guidance for Educational settings. The helpline is 0800 0468687 or settings can email Dfe.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Advice for Employers

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) have published advice for employers and employees about the Coronavirus. In case coronavirus spreads more widely in the UK, employers should consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff.

Within the guidance they recommend that Employers should take steps such as ensuring that Managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace develops the virus.