Coronavirus – guidance for schools

The Coronavirus outbreak affecting Hubei Province in China presents a number of issues for schools, and for boarding schools in particular. The announcement last week that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) now advises against all but essential travel to all of mainland China (and advises against all travel whatsoever to Hubei Province) and the WHO declaration of a global health emergency indicates the severity of the outbreak. Yesterday, the FCO announced that UK nationals in China should leave if they are able to do so.

We have considered the specific legal issues that will inform practical planning being undertaken by schools at this time and the risk assessment process that will underpin those decisions.

Heads, bursars and other school staff should contact their usual contact at the Firm if they would like further advice or alternatively Rachel Levene.