The Sheffield College responds to coronavirus fears after Italy trip

A member of staff at the college contacted The Star to say she understood pupils had visited Milan during half-term and returned ‘coughing and spluttering everywhere’, leaving employees worried for their health.

She was concerned that pupils had been advised not to self-isolate to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

However, the college has revealed students actually went to Rome and not Milan, which is one of the worst-hit areas in Italy, and said it had provided guidance as a ‘precautionary measure’.

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Angela Foulkes, chief executive and principal at the college, said: “The wellbeing of our students and staff is our top priority and the college has issued advice about the coronavirus to staff and students this week. There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at the college and we have provided guidance as a precautionary measure to keep students and staff safe.

“During the week before the February half-term break, a group of 11 students visited Rome for three days, not Milan. Their trip finished five days prior to the situation escalating in Italy. We are advising students that they should continue to attend the college as normal unless they develop coronavirus symptoms or have travelled to an area highlighted by the latest guidance issued by Public Health England.”

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She added that the college would continue updating students and staff with the latest advice, and said any students developing suspected symptoms should remain at home and call NHS 111 for further information.