Schools across Basingstoke are following Public Health England's advice after a number of pupils visited Italy during February half-term.

Costello School took 36 pupils on a ski trip last week but say the area they visited was outside the quarantine. 

Head teacher Randall Jull said as of this point, no children had been diagnosed with suspected coronavirus and said no children had been sent home.

He said upon their return, the school has followed the guidance from Public Health England which says that as the area of Italy visited was outside of the risk zone, there is no need for pupils to be in isolation or asked to stay at home. 

Mr Jull said: "At this point, thee are no suspected cases of coronavirus in relation to the school and there are no pupils showing signs or symptoms." 

A number of schools across Basingstoke and Hampshire visited Italy last week as part of a ski trip programme. 

Brighton Hill had previously arranged for a trip to northerm Italy for Easter and are awaiting guidance on whether it will go ahead. 

Yesterday pupils from St Bartholomew's School in Newbury were sent home amid concerns of suspected coronavirus outbreak. 

Northern Italy is a popular destination with local schools for half-term holidays. It is tradition for many of the schools to carry out annual ski trips as part of a its programme for Year 10 and Year 11 students. 

The coronavirus has spread from Wuhan in China to countries across the world, with more than 80,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,000 deaths worldwide.

There have only been 14 confirmed cases in the UK so far following 8,000 people being tested.

Last week Chineham Medical Practice in Basingstoke closed then reopened following a deep clean over concerns a patient with links to the coronavirus had visited.

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Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Call 111 now if you've been:

  • to Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
  • to Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or "special care zone" areas in South Korea since 19 February
  • to 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
  • to 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.

How is coronavirus spread?

Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.

Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.

It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

Is it safe to visit public places?

Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

You only need to stay away from public places if you've been:

  • to Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
  • to Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or "special care zone" areas in South Korea since 19 February
  • to 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
  • to 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