COVID Update YR10 14.12.21

Following a spike in cases in Year 10, the Health Protection Hub (HPH) have asked us to step up additional protective measures in this year group.

Dear Parents/Carers

Following a spike in cases in Year 10, the Health Protection Hub (HPH) have asked us to step up additional protective measures in this year group. From Wednesday morning Year 10 will be required to wear a face mask at all times, including in classrooms and whilst in the school building. The HPH have also requested that all Year 10 students conduct daily testing using Lateral Flow Devices until the end of term and record the test result via the NHS website, https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result. It is vital all Year 10 students follow these rules to reduce further spread of the virus.

From today the guidance has changed and there is a new national approach to daily testing for contacts of COVID-19. All adults who are fully vaccinated, and children aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months, identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take a lateral flow device (LFD) test every day for 7 days, instead of self-isolating. Daily testing by close contacts will help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 will help protect school by reducing transmission and will also help keep students in face-to-face education. Once notified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact, all eligible students should take an LFD each day for 7 days and report the results through the Online Reporting System. If they test negative, they can continue to attend school.

If they test positive, they should self-isolate and order a PCR test to confirm the result. If the PCR is positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days. If the PCR test is negative, they no longer need to self-isolate but should continue to carry out the remainder of the daily tests, and only need to isolate if it is positive.

I am sure you are aware of the government advice and guidance about the importance of covid vaccinations, including the booster jab. The Local Authority have provided the following update about the availability of vaccines. Please read their advice at the following link. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKTW/bulletins/300cc32

Yours faithfully

Mr A McNaughton

Principal