Coronavirus guidance issued for education providers

New guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) has been published for education providers.

The guidance, published by Health Protection Scotland (HPS), includes advice on preventing the spread of infection, what to do if staff or students become unwell, web links to teaching resources on good hygiene practices, and contact details for local health protection teams.

It also covers what pupils or members of staff should do if they have returned from a higher risk area as part of a school trip. This advice is consistent with the advice being given to individuals, and there is no need to manage returning groups of pupils, students or staff any differently.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“This guidance has been circulated to schools, colleges, universities and early learning and childcare providers in Scotland, following general guidance on basic preventative measures against coronavirus issued earlier in the month.

“Advice to people returning from affected countries will depend on which regions they have visited, and will be updated as the situation changes, so we’re asking members of the public to stay up to date with the latest health and travel advice.

“We are well-prepared for an outbreak in Scotland, but the public also has a vital role to play in helping us contain any positive cases by keeping themselves informed, and following basic hygiene precautions such as hand-washing and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”

Background

This guidance has been circulated to all local authority Directors of Education for dissemination to schools and early learning and childcare settings/providers in Scotland, and it has also been circulated to independent schools via Education Scotland, and grant aided special schools

It has also been circulated to all colleges and universities by the Scottish Funding Council and independent schools via Education Scotland, and grant aided special schools.

Read a copy of COVID-19 Guidance for Educational Settings. Further additional guidance and information, including links to guidance for travellers and the general public, can also be found on HPS’ COVID-19 page.

The latest numbers of test results are published at 2pm each day on the Scottish Government website.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:
• high temperature or fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Updates on public health advice for coronavirus can be found on the NHS Inform website, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.

For anyone who is planning to travel abroad, guidance can be found on fitfortravel. Where a COVID-19 risk is identified, country pages will be updated.