Dear Parent/Carer
Advice to parents/carers – COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
I am sure you will be aware of the current outbreak of coronavirus that has now resulted in positive cases having been identified in Scotland. I am writing to let you know that the Council is acting on national advice and keeping our schools updated.
The Scottish Government has issued advice to schools
https://www.gov.scot/news/coronavirus-guidance-issued-for-education-providers/ and East Lothian Council has shared latest information when available to all our schools and will continue to provide updates when available.
Health advice is available with regular updates from NHS Scotland:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/wuhan-novel-coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in January 2020.
Generally, these infections can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. There is no evidence that children are more affected than other age groups – very few cases have been reported in children.
Preventing spread of infection
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- washing your hands often – with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport
- covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
- people who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work or any education or childcare setting
- pupils, staff and visitors should wash their hands:
- 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
- use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- if you are worried about your symptoms or those of a child or colleague, please call NHS 111 Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment
I trust this is helpful and any further updates or information will be issued as appropriate.
Yours sincerely
Lesley R Brown
Chief Operating Officer (Education)
