Parents in Cornwall have been given advice on coronavirus after students returned from ski trips in Italy.

Penair School in Truro initially sent home students and staff recently returned from a half term ski trip in northern Italy to self-quarantine, having sought advice from Public Health England.

However, it later confirmed that they could return to the school after further communication with the health authority.

Now Truro & Penwith College and Callywith College have issued a statement on the subject, after is started receiving a "considerable number of calls" from concerned parents, following a student ski trip to the Italian Alps last week.

A spokesperson for the colleges said: "The college is following current WHO [World Health Organisation] and Public Health England advice that only those who have travelled to areas north of Pisa and are displaying symptoms should self-isolate.

"The college’s senior managers are staying as up-to-date as possible on developments and ongoing advice and are in a position to react promptly to any relevant updates as and when necessary.

"Anyone with personal health concerns should contact their GP or NHS111 directly."

This is also the advice now being given by Penair, with headteacher James Davidson saying: "Further to information shared with all parents, we have been in further communication with Public Health England discussing details of the areas visited by our ski trip.

"They have now confirmed that the children and staff can return to school. They have stated if students or staff develop any symptoms relating to the coronavirus they should isolate immediately and call 111.

"If they have no symptoms they do not need not isolate and can return to school.

"Once again we apologise for any disruption caused, however students well-being is always our first priority."

The school followed up with a letter to parents, stressing that the students and staff had only be sent home as a precaution, with Public Health England later updating their advice.

It added: "We are aware that a number of other students may have been away skiing over the half term and if you have returned from northern Italy (not including Pisa, Florence and Rimini, since 19th February and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people, and call 111."

Common signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.