Dear Parents/carers,

I would like to update you on the new COVID guidance on isolation that came out on August 16^th 2021.

This extract is taken directly from the Guidance.

“Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

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

Instead, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, informed they have been in close contact with a positive case and advised to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

Staff who do not need to isolate, and children and young people aged under 18 years 6 months who usually attend school, and have been identified as a close contact, should continue to attend school as normal”

This is a very important change from before the Summer holiday.

We should continue to be careful and ensure tests are taken by all close contacts. If your child develops any of the main COVID symptoms, cough, loss of taste and smell or high temperature, please book a test.

Should that PCR test prove to be positive then the child your child will need to isolate for 10 days.

If you have any further questions please contact Test and Trace or the NHS helpline 111.

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs Paula O’Rourke

Head Teacher