The Department for Education (DfE) has updated its coronavirus guidance for schools in light of the continuing spread of COVID-19 across Europe. It comes as schools in Cheshire take precautionary action following half-term trips to Italy.

As of February 26, there were more than 81,000 cases in around 40 countries worldwide, including more than 78,000 in China where the virus originated. More than 2,750 have died, including 50 or so deaths outside of China.

However, in recent days, more than 400 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Italy, with at least 12 deaths. As of February 26, further cases have also been identified in countries including France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Belgium, and Switzerland. As of February 26, the UK had 15 confirmed cases.

With half-term having recently ended, schools in the UK will be on alert for families and staff returning from affected areas.

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