PARENTS of pupils at Barrow schools are being urged to be on the lookout for the deadly coronavirus.

Following the confirmation of cases of the virus in the UK schools in Barrow have been issued with safety advice.

Although schools say there is 'no cause for concern' they are taking steps as advised by Public Health England to make parents aware of precautions they should be taking.

These include how to spread the risk of infection, what to do if they or a child has recently visited the Chinese province of Hubei in the last 14 days and what symptoms to look out for.

Anyone who has visited China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan or Thailand and becomes unwell is asked to stay at home and call the NHS 111 service.

In a letter sent to parents Chetwynde School's deputy headteacher Louise Hinton said: "You will be aware aware of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China and the subsequent confirmed cases in the UK.

"At Chetwynde School, we take the health and safety of our pupils and staff very seriously, so we’re sharing guidance from Public Health England on steps you should be taking."

Symptoms of coronavirus include a cough, difficulty breathing and a fever.

Anyone who has visited Hubei province or any of the other countries and becomes unwell is asked to stay at home and not to go to work or to school.

Anyone who suspects they have contracted the virus is advised to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, and to throw tissues in the bin.

Advice also includes to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or to use an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available.