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Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10-day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances. Individuals, including all primary aged children, may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. If both these test results are negative, and individuals do not have a high temperature, self-isolation can end after the second negative test result and a return to the education setting from day 8.
This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10-day period of self-isolation.
Further information is available in the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
If you have been in close contact of a positive Covid 19 case then people who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 11 years should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time then they need to book a PCR and not attend school until they receive the PCR negative result.
Daily testing of close contacts applies to all contacts who are:
• fully vaccinated adults – people who have had 2 doses;
• all children (5-11 in our Trust) regardless of their vaccination status;
• people who are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons;
• people taking part, or have taken part, in an approved clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Children under 5 are not being advised to take part in daily testing of close contacts. If they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 they should limit their contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19, and arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. They can continue to attend an education or childcare setting while waiting for the PCR result. If the test is positive, they should follow the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Please see the link below as a suggestion of where to order lateral flow tests: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
In primary schools, it is recommended that face coverings should be worn by staff and adults (including visitors) when moving around in corridors and communal areas. Health advice continues to be that children in primary schools should not be asked to wear face coverings. Face coverings do not need to be worn when outdoors.
Additional temporary PDET recommended measures
• No whole school collective worships.
• School visitors including sports coaches, peripatetic music teachers, PDET staff, professionals and school visitors can still visit site as long as they have a negative lateral flow result.
• Governors meetings to take place remotely.
• Parent meetings to take place remotely where possible.
• Continue with the increased cleaning regimes daily.
• Hand sanitising on entering the building and during the day.
• Increased ventilation of the building during the day.
