Precautionary measures - possible Covid Case – Mrs Whitney’s Class.

Dear Parents, 

Following direct contact with Public Health England, I have been directed to close this class 'as a precautionary measure', subject to confirmation of a test outcome.  This is an unusual step, but one that is in the interests of all.

We have been made aware of a single case of our school community who is likely to test positive for COVID 19.  This impacts on your child’s class as they are considered a possible close proximity contact.  This does not impact on children outside of the class, unless they have been contacted directly.

We know that you may find this concerning but 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.

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Any individual identified as requiring to self isolate as a result of close contact (as defined by NHS/DfE /Public Health England) with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)  must stay in isolation for 10 days after the last possible contact with the positive individual.  (Dates for this isolation are listed above).

• The isolation is for your child only.  Other members of your household are not required to isolate unless someone in the household displays symptoms.

• If your child or anyone in your household displays symptoms, you must isolate the household and arrange for Covid testing immediately.

• If you have another child attending the school in a different class, they are permitted to attend; this is a result of them not being at risk of close proximity contact.  If the isolation means a sibling cannot attend as you are unable to travel (for isolation child care reasons),  the sibling absence will be authorised and will not impact on their attendance figures.

•  DO NOT bring a child in isolation to school in order to drop off other children.

General information

What to do if your child now develops symptoms of COVID 19 

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’. 

Further information is available on the NHS coronavirus site, or on the school website under’ Covid 19’

Symptoms 

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

· a new continuous cough 

· a high temperature 

· a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) 

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. 

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.