Dartford Grammar School Japan exchange trip cancelled amid coronavirus fears
12:23, 26 February 2020
updated: 12:13, 27 February 2020
A school has cancelled an exchange trip amid rising concern over the coronavirus outbreak.
Dartford Grammar School, West Hill, Dartford, made the decision to delay its March visit from students from Wakayama, Japan, as the killer disease, known as COVID-19, continues to spread.
Head teacher Williams John Oakes said: "Following careful consideration and given the exceptional circumstances surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus, we have taken the decision, in close collaboration with our friends in Wakayama, to delay the visit in March until a more convenient and suitable time later this year."
Mr Oakes is writing to all parents in more detail.
It comes as coronavirus fears continue to hit Kent, with three teachers in Greenacre Academy, Walderslade, were told to go into self-isolation after a recent trip to Venice.
Head teacher Shelly Bridger said: "I have taken the precautionary measure, as advised via public health, that the members of staff self-isolate.
"I would like to make abundantly clear that there are absolutely no confirmed cases of the coronavirus at the academy and the isolated staff are not displaying any symptoms whatsoever.
"This is purely a precautionary measure. I expect to see all students in school as normal tomorrow and give you my assurance that there is no need to be alarmed in any way."
Rochester Math School, Maidstone Road, made a similar request to pupils who had visited Italy in half-term, either with the school or on their own, as well as offering them advice if they think they have symptoms of the disease.
Earlier this week, KentOnline reported how parents at a primary school in Upchurch near Sittingbourne threatened to keep their children away after a teacher went to coronavirus-hit Singapore during half-term.
Last week we reported how Medway Maritime Hospital had set up special "pods" in which to treat suspected cases of the illness.
More than 80,000 people have been infected by the disease with around 3,000 deaths as a result.
