A high school will stay open as pupils and staff with suspected of symptoms of coronavirus are told to stay at home.

The headteacher of Pinner High School has issued a statement confirming that ten students and four staff returned from a northern Italy ski trip have been sent to isolation as a precaution.

While the ski trip took place in a non-quarantine area, those who returned from the trip on February 23 have been taken to isolation and are tested for the Covid-19, following the advice of Public Health Harrow.

The school remains open despite some parental concerns, and anyone not showing any symptoms are told to attend school as normal.

Chris Woolf, head teacher at Pinner High, reassured parents of the situation and clarifies they are taking the advised steps needed.

He said: “The director of Public Health Harrow referred to the steps we have taken and our management of the situation yesterday evening [February 25] as ‘exemplary’, but I want to provide further details of it to reassure you during these trying times.

“As you know, the ski trip returned on Sunday from northern Italy. The trip was north of the ‘Pisa line’, but not in the quarantined areas.

“As a result, the Government advice is for anyone showing symptoms to self-isolate and call NHS111.

“If there are no symptoms, students and stuff should attend school as normal.”

“I understand the Covid-19 situation is worrying, but you can see we are following all guidelines available.”

Mr Woolf confirms that the school has been liaising with Public Health England, Harrow Council, other schools and governors and trustees to make sure everything happens within procedure.”

“Be under no illusions that social media comments add further pressure to an already challenging situation. Please contact us directly if you have any questions.

“If you feel the need to make comments about this on social media or elsewhere, please be conscious of this, and show the kindness and restraint we teach our young people about responsible use of social media.

“Thanks to those who have already encouraged others to do the same.”

In Rickmansworth School, an email was sent out to parents and carers yesterday (February 26) explaining the school will be shut until Monday as two people are current tested for coronavirus after returning from a ski trip in Italy.

In the email, head teacher Matthew Fletcher says he was advised by both Hertfordshire County Council and Public Health England and the decision was made to shut the school at 4pm yesterday.

Harrow Times: Barriers are in place outside Rickmansworth School as people are tested. (Photo: Nathan Louis)Barriers are in place outside Rickmansworth School as people are tested. (Photo: Nathan Louis)

We understand they were in Piancavello, Friuli-Venezia Giulia- a region which borders the Veneto region - Veneto being one of two regions in Italy where several towns have been put on lockdown.

Mr Woolf advises any parents with concerns to visit an information blog about the virus here.