Sir William Robertson Academy students to self-isolate over coronavirus concerns after trip to Italy
Students who returned from a ski trip in northern Italy this morning (Tuesday) will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
Sir William Robertson Academy today released a letter to the parents of schoolchildren whose trip to Courmayeur was cut short after regional authorities took the decision to close the ski lifts in Aosta Valley.
The letter states that the guidance for travellers returning from Italy has changed overnight. Therefore, all pupils and staff who took part in the trip will be starting a 14-day period of self-isolation.
However, the advice from the NHS does not specifically require other family members to self-isolate.
The letter from the school says: "Having read the guidance I remained unclear whether the isolation was just required for the child who had travelled to Italy or whether it was required for the whole family. It has been confirmed that it is only the child (or member of staff) who has been to Italy who must self-isolate.
"Other family members are not required to self-isolate and can attend work or school, but must remain vigilant for any family member developing symptoms.
"The Senior Leadership Team are meeting at the end of school today to consider how we can best support the learning of our pupils who are starting their period of self-isolation. It is likely that we shall be making use of Show My Homework to make sure that learning resources are available for all pupils who can’t be in school at the present time."
One Grantham parent, whose child attends Sir William Robertson Academy, expressed concerns about the guidelines for self-isolation.
They said: "We're just completely confused. [The guidelines] contradict themselves.
"It doesn't make sense. I'm not saying the school are in the wrong for following the guidelines, that's all they can do. But the guidelines are wrong. It makes it a hard one for parents."
Based on the national guidelines sent to the school, it is only the person who meets the case definition that needs to self-isolate.
If anyone develops symptoms (a cough, high temperature, shortness of breath) during self-isolation they should immediately use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.
