The information is provided by Calderdale Public Health
Updated Guidance for Parents
Following the increasing rates of Covid-19 both nationally and locally, the Department for Education and Calderdale Public Health have updated their guidance for schools. This message explains the key information you need to know. This information is correct on 7 January 2021.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WITH COVID-19
You are legally required to self-isolate for 10 days unless you are fully vaccinated. People under the age of 18 and 6 months do not need to self-isolate.
People not required to isolate should take a Lateral Flow test every day for 7 days, or until 10 days since your last contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19 if this is earlier. Children under the age of 5 are not advised to take part in daily Lateral Flow testing.
Take a single PCR test as soon as possible while you are self-isolating. However, if you have previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result within the last 90 days you should not take another PCR test unless you develop symptoms. When there is a surge in COVID-19 cases it may be difficult for people without symptoms to book a PCR test slot locally. If you aren’t able to book a PCR test, it’s important to keep doing daily Lateral Flow tests
Remain vigilant to COVID-19 symptoms (see below)
Limit close contact with other people outside the household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
Limit contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19
Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you are unable to maintain social distancing if you are 11 or over
Stay away from people who are clinically vulnerable as much as possible
Remember that vaccination reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of acquiring and transmitting infection.
WHAT TO DO IF ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS
The person must stay at home and self-isolate and seek a PCR test. Do not rely on a negative Lateral Flow test as these tests are not as accurate in picking up COVID-19 in people with symptoms.
The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following:
a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
WHAT TO DO IF ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD TESTS POSITIVE
Anyone who tests positive on a PCR is required to stay at home and self-isolate in line with national guidance.
From 11th January, as a temporary measure, anyone who tests positive on a Lateral Flow test will be required to self-isolate immediately and does not need to take a confirmatory PCR test.
Everyone else in the household should follow the above guidance for people who have been in contact with a case.
Locally, Calderdale Public Health advise that where someone in the household has tested positive, school-aged children should undertake daily Lateral Flow testing for 7 days (in line with national guidance) but that they should stay off school until after they have taken their Day 3 Lateral Flow test, returning on Day 3 only if tests on Day 1-3 are negative.
This guidance has been provided by Calderdale Public Health and Department for Education.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ISOLATION PERIOD
Your isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you do not have symptoms), and the next 10 full days.
You may be able to end your self-isolation period before the end of the 10 full days by taking a Lateral Flow test on 2 separate occasions after Day 6 of your isolation period (ie; day 6 and 7 ), provided the tests are;
Negative
24 hours apart
You do not have a high temperature and do not feel unwell.
You can end your isolation as soon as you have your second negative test result. This means that some people will be able to return to work or school on Day 7.
A cough or loss or change to your sense of taste or smell can persist for several weeks, and on their own do not require you to continue isolating.
SUPPORT IF YOU NEED TO SELF ISOLATE
If anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 or is told to isolate as a contact of a case, support is available.
Support with practical tasks like shopping and collecting medications is available if you are unable to leave the house and don’t have any family or friends that can help. For more information visit or ring 01422 392890 if you don’t have access to the internet.
MASK WEARING IN SCHOOL
From tomorrow all students, except those who are exempt, will be required to wear a mask within the classroom as well as in communal areas. They may be removed in outdoor areas during break and lunchtime. Please ensure your child has a face covering. We have a small supply which we can provide if necessary.
We understand that wearing a mask for long periods is not ideal, however, it is preferable to school closures. This will be reviewed by the Department for Education on 26 January and the requirement will be dropped once no longer necessary. Students may find it safer and more comfortable to bring a spare mask and to change to a fresh one during the day.
If you are unsure about the guidance, or have any questions please feel free to contact us on 01422 832070 or email admin@rvhschool.co.uk. For more details about NHS advice, please visit their website.