Dear Parent,
We have been advised that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.
We have carried out a full risk assessment and identified anyone who has been in close contact with the affected case and have recommended that they stay at home and self-isolate until 10 days after their last contact.
Your child has not been identified as a close contact and therefore does not need to make any change to their usual routine, including school attendance.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
For most people, especially children, COVID-19 will be a mild illness.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of:
- new continuous cough and/or
- high temperature and/or
- a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
If your child develops any of these symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home and you should arrange a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test for them.
Testing can be arranged by calling 119 or via gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If your child has developed symptoms, all other household members must begin to self-isolate, this means staying at home, not go to work, school or public areas, even for exercise.
When you receive the result of your child’s PCR test, further advice will be provided via the NHS Test and Trace Service.
If your school asks you to arrange a PCR test for your child without symptoms.
If there are any additional cases reported within school and you are identified as being in close contact with a case you will be advised to self isolate and arrange a PCR test.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things we can all do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:
- 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
- keep a regular flow of fresh air into indoor areas.
Help, support and further information.
To help you comply with the requirement to self-isolate the County Durham Together Community Hub can provide access to essential supplies, financial support and emotional support as well as other services. Please visit durham.gov.uk/covid19help or call the Community Hub on 03000 260260 for further details.
There is also support available the coronavirus section via durhamlocate.org.uk
Useful Websites
www.gov.uk/coronavirus
www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
www.durham.gov.uk/coronavirus
www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help
www.durhamlocate.org.uk