Wearing Face Coverings
11th October 2021
Dear Parents,
We have been advised that there have been several confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the college.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
The college remains open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend as normal. From Tuesday 12th October, until further notice, we will be asking students to wear face coverings in communal indoor areas such as corridors and the canteen. Please ensure that, as well as a face covering, your child brings their own personal supply of hand sanitiser to college. If your child was previously exempt from wearing a face covering we will still have their name on record. If your child is in Year 7 and you wish them to be exempt please email office@blessededward.co.uk stating your child’s name and the reason.
Children Identified as Contacts:
If you are notified by NHS test and Trace or Public Health that your child is a contact of a case of COVID-19 please access a PCR test for your child as soon as possible and carefully follow the guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Although your child can continue to attend school whilst waiting for the PCR result we would suggest that you consider taking additional precautions to limit the spread of infection by reducing their contacts with others outside the school/ the settings, avoiding close contact with those who may be clinically vulnerable.
Children who are symptomatic:
If your child has symptoms of Covid-19 please keep your child at home and book a PCR test as soon as possible.
Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you are concerned that you may have symptoms of COVID-19, or you live with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, follow the Stay at Home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19.
Rapid Testing (Lateral Flow Test):
If your child has taken an LFD Test and they receive a negative LFD result they can attend school as usual. If the LFD test result is positive, your child should take a PCR test immediately (within 2 days) and self-isolate at home until the test result is received.
There are still simple things we can all continue do to reduce the risk of spreading the virus:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
There continues to be additional support for those self-isolating or vulnerable as a result of COVID-19 can be accessed through Here2Help: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or 01905 768053 then press option 3. The Here2Help opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.
Thank you as always for your continued support.
Greg McClarey
Headteacher