Information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information about the virus

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.

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.

How to avoid catching or spreading microbes

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 – 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
• Clean frequently touched surfaces often

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

Resources:

Your school can help stop microbes spreading by using our range of fun lesson plans on hand washing and respiratory hygiene:

Foundation Phase (English only):

• Horrid Hands
• Super Sneezes

KS2 (bilingual):

• Hand Hygiene
• Respiratory Hygiene

KS3 (bilingual):

• Hand Hygiene
• Respiratory Hygiene

Posters:

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

e-Bug Health Educator Training

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.

Note: these courses are being translated for use in Wales.

Helpful links:

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

• COVID-19: Welsh Government education and childcare guidance
• NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Welsh Government guidance and support for Coronavirus (COVID-19)