There appears to be a little confusion over which tests to use in different situations. Hopefully, the following should help. The general rule is:

• Rapid Lateral Flow Tests - Only for people who do not have symptoms
• PCR Tests - Mainly for people with symptoms

Extra Information:

Rapid Lateral Flow Tests

Only for people who do not have symptoms

• These are taken at home twice a week (every 3 to 4 days) to check if you have the virus because about 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. You can order them here
• Rapid Lateral Flow tests give a result in 30 minutes using a device similar to a pregnancy test.
• You should always book a PCR test if you receive a positive Rapid Lateral Flow Tests

PCR Tests

Mainly for people with symptoms

Get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You and anyone you live with should stay at home until you get your test result. Only leave your home to have a test.

You should always book a PCR test if you receive a positive Rapid Lateral Flow Test

PCR tests are sent to a lab to be checked – you can book one here

There are some additional circumstances when a PCR is appropriate, sometimes when no symptoms are present – click here

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For even more information about Covid testing, Click here for the NHS site – ‘Get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)’

Advice to All Parents - Single case

Dear Parents,

We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school - in our Y4 class.

We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. 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.

Children in Y4 have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for a PCR test (the normally available test type) and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

The household isolation period includes the day the first person in your household’s symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. This means that if, for example, your 10 day isolation period starts on the 15th of the month, your isolation period ends at 23:59 hrs on the 25th and you can return to your normal routine.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

• 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

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

Mr Cresswell