COVID remains present this winter, to support schools to reduce the risk of COVID transmission, below is the latest guidance from Warwickshire County Council’s Public Health team.

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID is recommended to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days if they are an adult, or 3 days if they are a child and while they are unwell and have symptoms.

While this is no longer a legal requirement, this is strongly recommended, particularly in schools and other settings where outbreaks can escalate. Further information about the guidance is available here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/

Adults and children with symptoms of a respiratory illness are recommended to stay at home until they are well and no longer have a temperature. National guidance recommends that children with only mild symptoms of a runny nose, sore throat, slight cough but who are otherwise well can still attend settings. Further information is available in the letter to schools, issued by CMO Professor Chris Whitty https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letter-to-school-leaders-on-mild-illness-and-school-attendance/letter-to-school-leaders-on-mild-illness-and-school-attendance

When a school has rising cases or suspected cases there is no expectation to carry out routine testing of staff or carry out contact tracing. However, it is worth being extra vigilant of staff with symptoms during this time to avoid further spread and ask staff not to attend work if they are feeling unwell. It is also important to consider a risk assessment for any vulnerable persons, for example, pregnant staff, during this time. Further information about COVID-19: guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk is available here. people whose immune system means they are at higher risk

To help reduce the spread of COVID and other winter viruses, remember to:

• Maintain good hand hygiene - regular hand washing with soap and water
• Have good cleaning practices in place
• Ensure all areas throughout the school are well ventilated - open doors and windows and let fresh air in
• Ensure eligible groups are supported to take up their vaccinations. 

In the event you have rising case numbers or any concerns, please contact: Warwickshire's Public Health - Health Protection Team - phadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk   

Reminder

The children's flu programme is under way - please remind parents to complete consent forms to ensure their child can receive the vaccination and be protected. Flu vaccination programme.