The headteacher of Northfleet Technology College has reassured parents that it is not at risk from the coronavirus after it placed a student in self-isolation.

The school in Gravesend today (Tuesday March 3) confirmed that one of its students had "gone home to self isolate" after they were informed that the student had been within the vicinity of another child outside of school whose parnet has now been diagnosed with coronavirus.

Neither the child nor the student are currently showing any symptoms, but as a precaution the student has been sent home to self-isolate and is seeking further medical guidance.

But the school's headteacher Jane Partridge said in a letter to parents that there was no need for the school to close or for students to remain at home.

Public Health England yesterday (Monday, March 2) confirmed the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kent, whilst the number of cases in the UK has jumped up to 39 as of Monday.

In the school's statement, Ms Partridge said: "We are in contact with Kent County Council and are following the DFE and PHE advice, which currently recommends maintaining good personal hygiene and monitoring for symptoms.

"All students will be reminded in the morning about appropriate ways of protecting themselves. Should you require any further information please contact your GP surgery and/or NHS 111 helpline.

"At this moment in time there is no need for the school to close or for students to remain at home. Thank you for your support in this matter."

A follow up letter was sent from the headteacher thanking parents who supported the school after rumours started about the situation.

The school choose to issue a statement to "inform you of the facts to prevent miscommunication and further alarm."

"It is important to note that no student at NTC has a diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) nor have they been in direct contact with an infected person."

Additional precautionary cleaning measures are in place, and the school is following official protocol and advice.

Pupils from Cleeve Park school in Sidcup trip were put in precautionary coronavirus isolation last week after they returned from a skiing trip in northern Italy feeling "unwell."

A number of schools have been hit, with another in Orpington (Kemnal Technology College) reported as "following coronavirus protocol" after a group of students returned from a skiing trip in northern Italy.

As of 2 March, 13,525 people have been tested in the UK of which 13,485 were confirmed negative and 40 (0.29 per cent) positive.

News Shopper:

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath

However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are like other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Call NHS 111 now if you've been to:

  • Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
  • Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or "special care zone" areas in South Korea since 19 February
  • other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
  • other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
  • in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

The advice from Public Health England for travellers has been updated - find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#advice-for-travellers

To find out more about COVID-19 visit nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/