Information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that causes illness in people by affecting their lungs and therefore their breathing.

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are a new, continuous cough, a high temperature (over 37.8 degrees) or loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection. However, sometimes it can be severe or in some cases, fatal.

It can be spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces or areas of skin that have been contaminated by the virus.

Fortunately, vaccinations have been discovered that can reduce the chances of you catching and spreading coronavirus, and reduce the risk of serious illness and death caused by the virus. Further information regarding who is eligible for the vaccine and how they can be booked can be found found on the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Page.

There are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading.

• Do:
• stay at home (self isolate) if you or someone in your household has any of the main coronavirus symptoms
• wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• clean objects and surfaces you touch often (such as door handles, kettles and phones) using your regular cleaning products
• keep windows open in shared spaces, as much as possible

• Don't:
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

The storybook 'My Back to School Bubble' has been created with the input from a network of teachers, parents and public health professionals and aims to help children understand the new protective measures that may be in place at their school, in an age-appropriate way.

The e-Book is a joint venture with NABU, a global non-profit organisation who are passionate about creating stories for children, that are inclusive for all. 'My Back to School Bubble' adds to NABU's existing collection of stories addressing COVID-19, this time exploring the changing school environment.

• 'Hand hygiene' poster to display in your bathrooms and handwashing stations
• 'Cover coughs and sneezes' poster to display in your classrooms and shared spaces

• Coronavirus swab test. Are you going for a Coronavirus Swab Test soon? Learn about how, why and when we test for coronavirus (COVID-19) using a Swab Test and how you can prepare yourself before having your test.
• Coronavirus swab test for secondary school Annabelle tells us, step by step, about her Routine Rapid Lateral Flow Swab Test for Secondary School.
• What is a vaccine? Scientists have worked out a way to help our immune system fight off certain germs or viruses more quickly. These are called vaccines.

These videos have been developed by Little Journey, and support NHS Test and Trace.

Complete free e-learning to improve knowledge and confidence to teach children and young people about microbes and how to prevent the spread of infection:

• Free e-learning for educators and members of the community who teach children and young people (aged 4-18 yrs).
• Free e-learning a for anyone who works with or cares for infants and young children (under the age of 4 years).

Visit our Educator Training Page for more training ideas and opportunities.

For up-to-date advice and guidance, visit:

• COVID-19: education, universities and childcare guidance
• NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19)
• GOV.UK guidance and support for Coronavirus (COVID-19)