CORONAVIRUS advice has been sent to Glasgow schools with guidance on school trips and events like prize giving ceremonies.

Council bosses have passed on the Scottish Government hygiene advice on hand washing with soap and water.

Schools have been asked to provide details of any planned trips abroad and of any foreign schools they may be hosting her in Glasgow.

The government is requesting details of the destination, number of pupils and staff involved, and dates of overseas schools trips up to the end of June.

Schools have been asked to follow Foreign Office advice.

Staff have also been told to consider “fun alternatives” to handshakes at any ceremonies.

The letter states: “In considering whether to go ahead with a trip or not, schools will clearly have the safety and wellbeing of their staff and pupils at the forefront of their minds. They will also want to be satisfied that adequate travel insurance is in place. The COVID-19 outbreak may impact schools’ travel insurance coverage and this must be carefully checked before travel.

Head teachers are also asked to be aware of the financial implications of this decision for families. This may depend on their insurance cover and the applicable advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.”

Staff in all council departments have also been issued with guidance on good practice.

The council said that it has ongoing resilience planning which is tested every year which is used for situations like the Coronavirus.

Council staff have been told: “If you have travelled to areas seriously affected by coronavirus then you should self isolate.

“If you have travelled to some less affected areas, and you have symptoms then call 111 and self isolate.

“In any case, practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds. If hot soapy water is not available then use suitable alcohol hand sanitiser as an alternative.”

Annemarie O’Donnell, chief executive of Glasgow City Council, told staff of payment details if they have be isolated.

She said: “If you fall into the very clear categories set out on the government’s website, or if you are told to do so by the NHS, then you will be paid.

“If you are healthy, but self isolated, because you are in some way at risk then you will be regarded as being on sick leave.

“If you actually contract covid-19 then you will be on sick leave as normal but this will not be counted against your sick leave entitlement, and will not be used in any Absence Management process.

If you are able to work from home and are self isolated, but not ill, you will be asked to work from home.”