COVID letter to parents

Sunday 31st October 2021

Dear Parents/Carers

Over the half term break we have been made aware of a number of children in our school community who have tested positive for COVID 19.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

Children who have tested positive are isolating. The children who have been identified as contacts of the confirmed case will have guidance from NHS test and trace and will be advised to take a PCR test if NHS test and trace have their contact details. NHS Test and Trace will not be contacting the school for details of close contacts.

If you take a PCR test as a close contact and are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 you do not have to self-isolate whilst awaiting the result if fully vaccinated or aged 18 years six months or under.

Virus transmission control measures in school remain in place and the school remains open and, providing your child remains well, they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, you should organise for your child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. Your household does not need to self-isolate whilst waiting the result if the following apply:

• you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
• you're under 18 years, 6 months old
• you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
• you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Symptoms of COVID 19

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

•  keep a safe distance (at least 2 metres) away from people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble.
• reduce the time spent in crowded areas where it may be difficult to social distance
• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• clean surfaces often, paying particular attention to surfaces touched often (e.g. light switches or electronic devises)
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag immediately and wash your hands
• wear a face covering in indoor spaces where social distancing may be difficult
• Keep indoor spaces as well ventilated as possible – let the fresh air in, even if for a short period a day

Further information

Further information is available at

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

and

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

Yours sincerely

Alan Monger

Headteacher