A WYTHALL school has instructed 38 of its pupils to isolate themselves at home for two weeks over fears of a coronavirus outbreak.
The precautionary action comes after pupils from Woodrush High School returned to the UK from a trip in the Falcade region of northern Italy.
Six members of staff, who returned with the children on February 22, have also been told to stay at home.
An email sent to parents said: “I realise that this maybe a stressful time for you but please remember that this is only a precautionary measure.
“Public Health England have advised that the risk to other students and staff is minimal and stated that no additional action is required at this time.
“If advice changes we will be the first to get in touch with further updates.”
The school added that there has been disruption to normal lessons and cancellation of after school sports clubs and fixtures.
Those isolated are expected to return to school on Monday, March 9 following tests.
While no schools in Worcestershire have closed, the Solihull Observer reported on Wednesday that Tudor Grange Academy, Kingshurst, closed its doors after its pupils also arrived back from a skiing trip in Italy.
More than 80,000 people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide, which originated in China.
The World Health Organization has said that, for the first time, more new cases had been reported outside China than inside.
In China, the number of new cases reported on Tuesday was 411, whereas in the rest of the world the number was 427.
Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms after travelling back to the UK from mainland China, Iran, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau or areas of northern Italy are advised to stay indoors and call the NHS on 111.
