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Coombe Dean School

Coombe Dean School

Coombe Dean School

Covid 19 Guidance Update

The Government is very concerned about the new variant of Covid 19, Omicron, there has been many changes to guidance over the last few weeks. The school condensed the main points into a short document covering the main points.

Students and staff who test positive (PCR) will be required to isolate.

Students / staff who are identified as contacts of the confirmed case will have guidance from NHS test and trace. They will be advised to take daily LFD tests before attending school for a period of 7 days.

If you think your child is a close contact but has not been contacted directly by NHS Test and Trace then we would advise they undertake daily LFD tests for a period of 7 days. This advice is encouraged but not mandatory.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or tests positive for COVID-19

If your child develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), they should get a PCR test and remain at home at least until the result is known and they are fever free (without medication) for at least 24 hours.

· If negative, the child can end self-isolation and return to school once well;

· If positive, the child should isolate until at least 10 days after their symptoms appeared. If the child has a positive test result, but does not have symptoms, they should stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days from the date the positive test was taken. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for a PCR test and this can be arranged via https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

Instructions for people who live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 (tested positive or symptomatic awaiting a test result) You will not be required to self-isolate if you are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and any of the following apply:

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

Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine.

NHS Test and Trace will contact you to check whether you are legally required to self-isolate. If you are not legally required to self-isolate, you will be provided with advice on testing, advised to take extra caution, and given guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19. In line with national guidance for households with Covid-19 infection, household and other close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should undertake daily LFD testing for a period of 7 days. This is recommended for all close contacts who are not required to isolate aged 5 and over.

Any member of the household who is aged 18 years and 6 months or over and has only received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine or has not received any dose of the COVID-19 vaccination will still be required to self-isolate as a household contact of someone with COVID-19 symptoms awaiting testing and someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

You could be fined if you do not self-isolate following a notification by NHS Test and Trace. You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate or you are the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate.

Instructions for household contacts who are not required to self-isolate from 14th December

Even if you are vaccinated, you can still be infected with COVID-19 and pass it on to others. If you are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 but you are not required to self-isolate, you can help protect others by following the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread. As well as testing daily using LFDs please also:

  • limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces (when not in school)
  • Wear a face covering for those aged 11 and over in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and when you are in close contact with other people
  • limit contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with Covid-19
  • Follow the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)