Pupils from a school in Herne Bay who recently returned from a school trip to northern Italy will be tested to determine whether they have coronavirus.

According to a letter from Herne Bay High School sent to parents, which has been seen by KentOnline, two pupils "have a cough" and have self-isolated.

All of those returning from the skiing trip to the Alpine resort Pila have been told to stay at home until next Monday and contact the NHS for advice.

Principal Jon Boyes wrote: "As I am sure you are aware, the situation with regard to coronavirus/COVID-19 continues to develop and as such, I wanted to keep you updated.

"Although the Italian region that the HBHS ski trip visited is not one of the areas that the Italian government has locked down, we have asked the parents and carers of those students who went on the ski trip to keep their child at home until Monday, March 16, in the first instance and make individual contact with the NHS for advice - this is also the case for the staff who attended the trip.

"A couple of students from the trip have a cough and have been instructed by the NHS, as a purely precautionary measure, to isolate themselves prior to being tested."

Mr Boyes reassured parents the school will continue to follow the guidance it receives from the government, Public Health England, the NHS, the Department for Education and the council.

He also directed parents to a designated section on the school wesbite which gives information about coronavirus.

It comes after KentOnline was contacted by a parent who said she is disgusted the trip went ahead.

Another, who asked not to be named, said: “It is unbelievable this trip went ahead and was authorised.

“The school are receiving hundreds of complaints about the fact they let the trip take place with the coronavirus threat at the moment.”

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