What to do if there is a confirmed or suspected Covid case: September 2021
Covid: What to do if there is a confirmed or suspected Covid case - September 2021.
I would like to draw your attention again to the revised guidance around isolation and when children or staff display Covid19 symptoms as this has now changed significantly, with schools no longer required to undertake the Track and Trace process for pupils and staff. The blue sections take you to relevant links.
The new guidance states: Pupils, staff and other adults should follow public health advice on when to self-isolate and what to do. They should not come into school if they have symptoms, have had a positive test result or other reasons requiring them to stay at home due to the risk of them passing on COVID-19 (for example, they are required to quarantine).
If anyone in school develops COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, they will be sent home and they should follow public health advice.
For everyone with symptoms, they should avoid using public transport and, wherever possible, be collected by a member of their family or household. The household (including any siblings) should follow the current PHE stay at home guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Guidance for households with confirmed or possible Covid 19 infections
In the event of a positive case, close contacts (including household members) are no longer required to isolate if:
? 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
Close contacts 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. 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. They do not need to wear a face covering within the school, but it is expected and recommended that these are worn when travelling on public or dedicated transport. School will continue to have a role in working with health protection teams in the case of any local outbreak.
If there is a substantial increase in the number of positive cases in school or if central government offers the area an enhanced response package, a director of public health might advise us to temporarily reintroduce additional measures. These may include reverting to bubbles, the wearing of face masks or increased testing. Whilst we are very much looking forward to a more ‘normal’ school year, we are also mindful that Covid 19 remains a serious health issue.
We would therefore urge you to remain vigilant of the symptoms and to not send your child into school if they are displaying any such symptoms. As a school, we will always be guided by national and local guidance and will advise you of any changes that result from any advice as soon as possible.