Covid - Updated Guidance - March 2022
As you are aware, on 21st February the Prime Minister set out the next phase of the government’s COVID-19 response. For schools this has now changed the guidance that we have worked within and many of the specific protective measures that had previously been in place within school.
Although we remain vigilant to the virus and we continue to work closely with the Local Authority Public Health Team, who may reintroduce measures where outbreaks are identified, we are now implementing the changes in school and the following are the key points for your information.
Asymptomatic testing - It is no longer necessary for staff and students to undertake twice-weekly asymptomatic testing. However, staff and students of secondary age and above in SEND units within mainstream settings are advised to continue twice-weekly testing.
Changes to self-isolation and daily testing of close contacts - it is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. However, adults and children who test positive must continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They should take an LFD test from 5 days after their symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) followed by another one the next day. If both these tests results are negative, they should return to school, as long as they feel well enough to do so and do not have a temperature.
Daily testing or self isolation of close contacts is no longer necessary, as is also the requirement for close contacts who are not fully vaccinated to self-isolate. Additionally, you are no longer required to report Covid test results to the Government website or the school, via the google form. Should your child be absent, due to Covid, please report the absence in the usual way and state Covid as the reason.
Staff, children and young people who live with someone who has COVID-19 should attend their school as usual.
Face coverings and other control measures - These are no longer advised for pupils, staff and visitors in classrooms and communal areas. Cleaning regimes, hand hygiene and enhanced ventilation continues to take place within Putteridge High School.
Thank you for your cooperation.