A HEADTEACHER has reassured parents after students at a Colchester secondary school returned from a skiing trip to Italy, where there is a Coronavirus outbreak. 

Scott Holder, executive headteacher at Philip Morant School, has written to parents, some of whom had suggested the school should be shut following the students' return.

But Mr Holder said the school was in contact with the relevant authorities.

He said: "We have been in regular contact with Public Health England over the last two days and are following their advice.  

"Our students did not visit the towns that have been quarantined.  

"The area visited is listed in category two for Italy: North on Public Health England.

"The group travelled by coach to the ski resort and did not fly.  

"The guidance is: Travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.

"The advice this morning from Public Health England is for the school to remain open as normal.  

"We have published advice on good hygiene on the website  to prevent any spread of infections and advise all students and staff to follow this advice. We have also summarised the advice below.  

"We will update you immediately if we receive any change in guidance."