Covid Information

Updated Covid-19 Rules

As you will be aware, the rules around Covid-19 have changed. To remind you we have summarised these below:

If a person develop symptoms of Covid, they are required to self-isolate and get a PCR test (not a Lateral Flow test). If this comes back positive they need to isolate for 10 days.

You do need to isolate if you are a close contact of someone who tests positive and you are over 18 and have not been fully vaccinated. If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:

• you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
• you're under 18 years, 6 months old
• you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
• you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

However, you do need to get a PCR test if you have been a close contact of someone who tests positive for Covid-19.

It is also recommended that lateral flow tests are done as a matter of course to prevent cases in the community.

The NHS website link with this information is below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Covid symptoms are listed on the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

PCR tests can be booked on the government website (click on ‘start now’):

https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Lateral Flow Tests

All households with primary and secondary school and college age children, and childcare and support bubbles, will be encouraged to start regular twice-weekly testing as schools return. Tests will be available for adults in these households to collect on 1 March. As with student testing, this is encouraged but not mandatory.

 The following people in England will have access to regular rapid lateral flow testing made available to them as schools reopen: 

•   secondary school pupils
•  primary and secondary school staff
•   households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary-age pupils
•   households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary staff
•   Primary school pupils will not be asked to test at this time.

Schools and colleges will not be expected to provide the test kits to families or administer the family testing process.

Children of primary school age (and below) without symptoms are not being asked to take a test.

Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.

More information on how families can order tests for collection or home delivery can be found here:

The following links will provide further Covid related information.