Sir William Robertson Academy issue letter to parents after ski trip to Courmayeur, Italy, was cut short amid Coronavirus fears
A school cut its ski trip to Italy short amid Coronavirus fears.
Some parents had expressed concerns the £800-per pupil trip was even going ahead, fearing that if the party was not isolated on their return, any child who contracted the potentially deadly virus could have infected the whole school.
The coach containing staff and children from Sir William Robertson Academy, Welbourn, set off as planned on Saturday.
However, the party was in Northern Italy for less than 48-hours, just enough time for pupils to be measured for ski boots, before returning home following the advice of regional Government that saw the closure of all resorts in the Aosta Valley region, where the trip was based.
A spokesperson from the school said the students and staff who made the trip to Italy were safe.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Mark Guest said: "As it was clear that our pupils would not be able to ski during their time in Italy — and given that any other activities had not been risk-assessed and parents’ consent had not been obtained — we reluctantly took the decision that the trip should return to the UK at the earliest opportunity, setting off at lunchtime today (Monday, March 9).
"In line with any residential and/or overseas visit, this trip had been carefully planned and risk assessed, and the ski resort and travel company (Interski) were ones that our school has used successfully many times over a number of years.
"In the run-up to the trip, the school had been carefully monitoring the developing situation regarding Coronavirus in Italy.
"In addition to receiving and acting upon the daily update from the Department for Education, the school had been checking hourly the Foreign Office Travel Advice for the Aosta Valley and the guidance from Public Health England.
"In addition, I raised a specific question with regard to our trip with the Department for Education’s Coronavirus Helpline.
"No restrictions had been placed on travel to the Courmayeur/Aosta Valley area and that position still remains the same."
Mr Guest said the school looked forward to welcoming the pupils and staff back to school from the ski trip on Wednesday.
He said: "Understandably they will be disappointed that they have been unable to ski and will be tired from a long journey.
"As a school we shall follow all of the guidance from government and Public Health England on returning travellers.
"The advice is that as the party have not visited a lockdown area in Italy, then there is no requirement for a period of self-isolation unless any member of the party is displaying symptoms."
The government guidance calls for residents to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people if you have travelled to the UK from Italy in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath — even if your symptoms are mild.
A parent, who did not want to be named, said pupils had excitedly tried on skiing equipment before being told they were returning home.
The parent questioned whether they should have travelled in the first place, but said he understood the school's decision as the Foreign Office had not advised against travelling.
"You really feel for the children in this situation," he said.
"My daughter was tearful on the phone because she loved skiing.
"She sent me pictures of her view from the balcony of her room and it looked really good."
The students and staff should return to England tomorrow morning between 5am and 7am.
Interski, the ski trip provider, issued a statement yesterday.
A spokesperson said: "We regret to inform that the Regional Government of the Aosta Valley has taken the decision today to close all ski lifts and associated infrastructure in the Aosta Valley as a precautionary measure, including those of Pila, Courmayeur and La Thuile.
"Whereas borders remain open, and in the absence of a definitive recommendation to avoid travel to the area by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), we have nevertheless taken the pre-emptive decision to suspend INTERSKI resort activities for the remainder of the current season, believing this to be the course of action best suited to the needs of our clients and to bring an end to current uncertainty and speculation.
"Over 4,000 clients will be affected and we will endeavour to discharge our responsibilities in a timely manner, but we would ask for both patience and understanding, given the unprecedented nature and scale of the problem. Please note, we are only able to speak to the named lead passenger on the booking.
"Today is a bad day in our nearly 40 years of taking clients to the Aosta Valley, but our company is both strong and resilient in the face of oppressive circumstances.
"With gratitude for your past and continuing support, we look forward to putting present difficulties behind us and welcoming you back to an uninterrupted winter 2020/21, with many more to follow."
Dr Fu-Meng Khaw, centre director, Public Health England East Midlands, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with three of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. The cases are residents of Nottinghamshire and recently returned from Italy.
“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”
Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the local authority is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Nottinghamshire are protected.
“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
“If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.”
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