TYNEDALE high schools have introduced health and safety procedures to protect pupils and staff from the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.

Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham and Haydon Bridge High School said they were advising students on the importance of good personal hygiene and hand washing, increasing cleaning of key areas with emphasis on touch points such as door handles, installing hand sanitisers, providing tissues in all classrooms and offices and regularly checking that hand wash was available in the toilets.

James Andriot, the head of school at Queen Elizabeth, said the school was putting arrangements in place to enable students had access to the curriculum online so they would not fall behind if they have to self-isolate.

He said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation regarding exchanges and trips abroad and will liaise with trip leaders on the position as it develops.”

Alice Witherow, chief executive officer at the Tyne Community Learning Trust, which comprises all schools in the East Tynedale area, met with headteachers on Wednesday to discuss the management of Coronavirus.

She said: “We’re communicating with pupils and parents around the importance of handwashing and general hygiene.

“But, we’re also getting prepared for the national closure of schools and ensuring that children and staff can work from home online and in paper form.”

Northumberland County Council said children should attend school as normal, unless they were contacted by Public Health England and advised otherwise.