Three schools closed over coronavirus fears as pupils return from skiing in Italy

Three schools have been closed after students reportedly returned from half-term ski trips in Italy with symptoms of coronavirus.

Students from Cransley School in Northwich, visited Bormio in northern Italy last week as part of a school-run ski trip.

Headteacher Richard Pollock told parents on Tuesday the school would be shut for the rest of the week to "completely minimise" the risk of infection.

Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich has also taken the decision to partially close, according to Cheshire Live.

About 50 pupils and staff from Cambridge House Grammar School in Northern Ireland have also been sent home as a precaution after an Italian ski holiday.

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council told the newspaper: “The schools have sent home those staff and pupils who have just returned from trips to Italy as a precautionary measure.

“However, it should be noted the trips did not visit an area specified as a controlled area by the Italian government.

Read more: Coronavirus 'knocking at the door' as travellers from lockdown zones in Italy told to self-isolate

“We would stress that there are currently no cases of Covid-19 (coronavirus) identified in Cheshire East.”

The letter from headteacher Richard Pollock also said that the school will be "deep-cleaned" during the closure.

It also advised pupils to self-isolate in order to avoid spreading the infection among their local communities.

"Following a ski trip by 29 pupils and 5 staff from Cransley School to Bormio in Lombardy over half term, a small number of pupils and staff began showing mild flu-like symptoms yesterday," Mr Pollock wrote.

He added: "All pupils who are unwell should inform NHS 111 and insist on being tested for the Coronavirus.

"I am attending a dedicated ‘pod’ at Warrington General tomorrow myself. Pupils should not use public transport or taxis."

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The group Cambridge House Grammar School, in Ballymena, Co Antrim, were in the Lombardy region in the north of Italy but did not visit nine towns affected by the infection and are showing no symptoms.

Principal Elma Lutton said: “Taking cognisance of advice from the Public Health Agency and following advice from the education authority, the pupils and staff on that ski trip have been sent home for 14 days’ self-quarantine.

“This is precautionary – none of them were in those nine towns, none are showing any symptoms.

“They were in the Lombardy region but went through Milan airport.”