Covid -19 September update

We continue to follow the current public health advice and government guidance around reducing the risk of spreading Covid -19 in school.

• Children will still be encouraged to wash their hands/use hand sanitizer frequently
• The “Catch it, bin it, kill it” message will continue to be reinforced.
• Rooms will still be well ventilated
• Classrooms and equipment /resources will still be cleaned using the appropriate products
• Children will no longer be in bubbles
• For visitors to school, face coverings are no longer a requirement although it remains up to you if you wish to continue to wear one, especially in crowded places.

DfE guidance:

What if someone tests positive or has symptoms?

Self isolate straight away and get a PCR test immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• a high temperature

• A new, continuous cough,
• a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste

You should also self isolate if:

• You have tested positive for C-19 either according to a PCR test or a lateral flow device test. A positive Lateral flow device test (LFD) means you must book a PCR test. A negative PCR test will override a positive LFD test.

• someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive (unless you are not required to self-isolate – see below if this applies to you)
• you've been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive – find out what to do if you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app.

Pupils should only self-isolate if they have symptoms or if they get a positive PCR or Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test.

If they develop symptoms or get a positive LFD test they should book a PCR test. A positive PCR test cannot be overridden. If a pupil is asked to get a PCR test as a result of contact with a positive case they may continue to attend education until they get the result of their PCR back.

And what will happen for people who have been in contact with positive cases?

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons.

Instead, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, informed they have been in close contact with a positive case and advised to take a PCR test. They do not need to isolate while awaiting the PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

Staff who do not need to isolate, and children and young people aged under 18 years 6 months who usually attend school, and have been identified as a close contact, should continue to attend school as normal.

If none of the above applies, people should self-isolate as per the instructions from NHS Test and Trace.