Coronavirus: Eastbourne pupil ‘self-isolating’ after selfie with Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi

An Eastbourne school has released a statement after a student came into contact with a footballer who has tested positive for coronavirus.
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Eastbourne College says the male boarder is now self-isolating after he told staff this morning (March 13) he had taken a selfie with Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi a week ago.

The school says medical staff have declared him ‘asymptomatic’ of the common signs of COVID-19 – he has no persistent cough, fever, or shortness of breath.

Eastbourne College. Photo by Toby Phillips. SUS-200313-135555001Eastbourne College. Photo by Toby Phillips. SUS-200313-135555001
Eastbourne College. Photo by Toby Phillips. SUS-200313-135555001
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However, as a precaution, arrangements have been made to send the pupil home to self-isolate for the required period, as well as a sibling.

A spokesperson for Eastbourne College said, “The College does not have a confirmed case of Covid-19.

“At 8am today a boy from one of our boarding houses presented to our in-house staff to say that he had taken a ‘selfie’ a week ago with Chelsea footballer Callum Hudson-Odoi who today allegedly tested positive for Covid-19.

“The family have been advised by the College’s medical staff to call NHS 111 due to his contact with the aforementioned Chelsea football player.

Eastbourne CollegeEastbourne College
Eastbourne College
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“Social media posts with exaggerated information have caused a degree of alarm. These do not represent the facts; currently there is no high-risk exposure to Covid-19 within the College.

“The College continues to operate according to the advice of Public Health England and DfE, with additional safeguards in our daily routines.

“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and the wider community.”

Callum Hudson-Odoi posted a video onto his social media page this morning confirming he has had the virus but is now recovering.

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As of today (March 13) there is one confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in East Sussex, three in West Sussex, and eight in Brighton and Hove.

The advice from the NHS is to regularly wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

People are told to stay at home for seven days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.