Update on Covid Isolation and Testing

Following the recent change in requirements about isolation and testing, please find the latest updates below.  LFD tests have been distributed to students and we ask that they complete these on a Monday and Thursday, informing school of any positive results.  Further testing kits will be distributed in 2 weeks’ time as the kits contain 7 tests to cover two and a half weeks.

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to school on day 6.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

If the result of either of their tests is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.   Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.

Further information on self-isolation for those with COVID-19 is available by clicking on this link.

Temporary suspension of confirmatory PCR tests

You are only asked to take a follow up PCR test after a positive LFD test if you:

- wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment

- have been advised to take a PCR test because you are in a clinically vulnerable group

- have been advised to do so as part of a research or surveillance programme

- have received a positive day 2 LFD after arriving into the UK

If anyone has any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, they are strongly advised to take a PCR test, not an LFD test. If someone with symptoms has already taken an LFD test for any reason and the result is positive, they do not need to take a follow-up PCR test.

Vaccinations

Further information on the vaccinations programme is available at the link below.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1042559/UKHSA-12222-COVID-19-parent-leaflet-v3.pdf

If you have any questions, please do contact me at school.

Regards,

Rachel Hudson

Headteacher