A ‘number’ of children from Ysgol Friars in Bangor that were on a school ski trip to northern Italy, are currently ‘self-isolating’ and have contacted NHS direct after an outbreak of Coronavirus, Covid-19, in Italy.

Pupils from the school stayed in the town of Bormio in the Italian Alps for a week before returning home on Sunday.

 

So far six children have received a doctor’s note or test results letter saying they are clear of Coronavirus and two children have already returned to school.

In a letter to parents on Tuesday, Ysgol Friars’ deputy headteacher David Healey said: “We have asked those that were on the trip with even the mildest symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing, fever) to go home and call NHS direct.

“I would like to stress that there has been no confirmed case of Covid-19 amongst the school population, but we wish to be cautious.”

As of 27 February, a total of 7,690 people have been tested in the UK, of which 7,675 The total number of cases in England is now 17. Following confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and Wales (Swansea) the total number of UK cases is 19.

In one of several updates to parents, the school reiterated they have been in regular contact with Public Health Wales and following advice have ensured antibacterial soap is available to pupils and alcohol hand cleanser is also available. According to the school, the emphasis of the daily cleaning routine is to concentrate more on areas that are touched by multiple people such as door handles, the backs of chairs, table tops and computer keyboards.

Ysbyty Gwynedd

A Tweet from the Emergency department at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor earlier today requested that patients with concerns about Coronavirus contact NHS Direct for advice in the first instance, rather than attending the hospital.

The Tweet read: “If you are concerned you or your child may have Coronavirus please call NHS Direct Wales or 111 to get advice and self isolate. Home testing is available. Please don’t attend the emergency department unless advised to do so most are simple self limiting viral illnesses.

“Due to enhanced infection control measures we have to adhere to in the ED one patient with suspected Coronavirus takes up 6-9 hours of nurse and doctor time. That’s 9 hours that isn’t spent saving a life.”

If you think you may have Novel Coronavirus, you should remain in your home and call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or 111 Wales if available in your area. Do not visit your GP. Do not use public transport or taxis. Follow the latest guidance http://phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus