Students and a teacher from schools in Weymouth are being tested for coronavirus after returning from trips to northern Italy during February half term.

Several towns in Italy have been quarantined following an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

It is understood that two students from All Saints Academy in Wyke Regis are being tested for the virus after coming back from a ski trip to the Italian resort of Prato Nevoso.

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In addition to this, a Budmouth Academy teacher is self-isolating as a precaution after he returned from a trip to northern Italy.

All Saints students returned from Italy on Sunday, February 23 after travelling by coach and ferry via the English Channel. Since then, the school’s principal John Cornish has been keeping parents and carers informed of any updates after concerns were raised regarding the pupils’ return.

He said: “We understand that this is an anxious time for everyone but please be reassured that we are following all of the latest government guidance and will continue to do so. Thank you for your patience in responding to your queries today and for keeping us informed about your children’s attendance.

“We have two students from our ski trip who are currently being tested as a precautionary measure. We will update parents and carers when we have the results of the tests in. Other students have already been assessed by the GP or NHS 111 and have been advised that their symptoms are not coronavirus related and that they can return to school.

“I can confirm there have currently been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus amongst any of our pupils or staff. Our ski trip was 200 miles away from the areas of Italy being locked down.”

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Headteachers have been given the following advice on what to do if a case of COVID-19 in a pupil, student or staff is suspected in their school: “No restrictions or special control measures are required while laboratory test results for COVID-19 are awaited.

“There is no need to close the setting or send other learners or staff home.”

Mr Cornish thanked parents and carers for their support and asked them to stress the importance of washing hands regularly and using tissues when coughing or sneezing.

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Regarding the teacher from Budmouth Academy who is self isolating, a spokesperson for Aspirations Academies Trust said: “A member of staff at Budmouth Academy travelled abroad to northern Italy over half term. At the time of his stay he was not in an area affected by coronavirus.

“However upon returning to school this week he made the decision to get himself tested for the illness and to self-isolate as a precaution. He does not have any symptoms associated with the disease and expects to return to school shortly. There are no cases of coronavirus at Budmouth Academy.’’

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DORSET Council has been informed about possible cases of coronavirus in the county’s schools after students and members of staff have returned from northern Italy.

Following reports that people in Dorset are being tested for the deadly virus, the council said its schools were following guidance from Public Health England and the Department for Education.

Sam Crowe, Director for Public Health Dorset, said: “We have been made aware by some schools in Dorset that pupils and their families are self-isolating after returning from affected areas in the north of Italy.

“This is in line with recent advice issued to all schools and educational settings by Public Health England.

“This has been carried out as a precautionary measure only, and we would like to reassure people that, should a case be confirmed anywhere in the country, Public Health England would contact all those who had come into contact with a case.

“Information and advice regarding the virus can be found at nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to remind people of advice from Public Health England on regularly washing hands, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and putting it straight in the bin.”