Devon County Council’s advice on the coronavirus crisis, including for schools and families
Go HERE for full advice
We would like to reassure you that the government and NHS are well prepared to deal with this virus. The council is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with Public Health England. We are taking all possible steps to keep you safe.
You can view the number of UK cases, broken down by region, and the latest test figures, and you can view the number of cases by local authority area.
- Visit the NHS website for the latest information and advice and the current situation in the UK. This includes answers to commonly asked questions
- The NHS 111 website has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do
- The BBC has produced some good advice on how to protect yourself
- See the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK
You can also follow Public Health England’s Facebook page or Twitter feed for the latest updates, information and advice.
Schools and families
You can check for current school closures and subscribe to school closure notifications in Devon. Schools can update any closures by logging in directly.
We’ve been in regular contact with headteachers and are issuing frequent updates, as well as guidance on managing health and safety in schools, illness prevention and public relations. We’ll continue to provide support to all Devon schools.
Refer to the latest advice for schools and other educational settings, published jointly by Public Health England and Department for Education, including posters for use in schools.
View BBC Newsround’s video for children about Coronavirus: Why it might not be as scary as it sounds.
Should I send my child to school?
Yes, unless they’re unwell or have been advised to self-isolate. The safety, welfare and wellbeing of everyone in our schools community is our primary concern.
Please also be aware that media speculation is rife about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and not everything you read in the newspapers and online is accurate.
At the present time, there’s a low risk for anyone attending our schools. On advice from the Chief Medical Officer, the risk has been declared as “moderate.” This level allows the government to plan for all eventualities but that ultimately, the risk to individuals remains “low.”
The release of trusted and accurate information will always be done initially by the Chief Medical Officer. Further guidance will then be issued by Public Health England, the Department for Health and Social Care or the NHS. The local authority will also support those messages.
You can find the latest information and advice on coronavirus from Public Health England.
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
There is a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
- Phone: 0800 046 8687
- Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
- Opening hours: 8.00am to 6.00pm (Monday to Friday)
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