Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice & Information

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

This change came into effect in England on Monday 17 January and applies to all positive cases, regardless of vaccination status.

People who are self-isolating with COVID-19 have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with an 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 their education or childcare setting immediately 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 test 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.

The new rules also apply to people who are already isolating – so if someone was already isolating before Monday 17 January, they can take LFD tests on day 5 and 6 and if they are both negative and they have no temperature they can end their isolation.

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.

Accessing a test

 

The fastest way to get a test result is to go to a testing site. You will need a pre-booked appointment or you will not be given a test. You can also order home test kits to be sent directly to you. To book an appointment or order a home kit, please visit here:

 

Only request a test if you or your family household members are displaying coronavirus symptoms.

 

Coronavirus - what you need to know!

Click here to access an information blog from Public Health England 

 

Make sure you and your children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any respiratory virus:

• Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
• NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone

 

Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

 

The importance of hygiene 

Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle COVID-19, especially washing hands more; and the catch it, bin it, kill it strategy for those with coughs and sneezes.

 

How to wash your hands properly

Wash your hands more often for 20 seconds with soap and hot water.

Click here to watch this short NHS film for guidance.

 

Teach young children how to wash their hands with the NHS handwashing song: Click here

 

Public Health England recommends that in addition to handwashing before eating, and after coughing and sneezing, everyone should also wash hands after using toilets and travelling on public transport.

 

Regular updates will be sent via SZapp and published on the website in 'Letters Home'. School are following advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education (DfE). 

 

Department for Education Coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline - this helpline has been set up to answer questions about the virus related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline.

• Phone: 0800 046 8687
• Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
• Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) or 10am to 4pm (Saturday and Sunday)

 

Where to find the latest information:

 

Click here to access the DfE stay at home guidance.

 

Updates on COVID-19:

• https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
• https://www.facebook.com/educationgovuk/
• https://twitter.com/educationgovuk

 

Click here to see the full details of Covid-19 testing to all essential workers and members of their households who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.