IMPORTANT UPDATE TO COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES IN SCHOOL
On the instruction of Public Health Wales and in line with WG guidance, all schools in Swansea have been asked to re-instate the following measures from Wednesday 15th September in order to mitigate risk:
- Face coverings should be worn when moving around indoor communal areas outside of the classroom, such as corridors and the canteens.
- Continuation of wearing face coverings on school transport.
- Face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors when moving around indoor communal areas.
- Twice weekly Lateral Flow testing available for staff and secondary learners to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases as soon as possible.
- Physical distancing and seating plans in place in classrooms. This may include forward facing desks.
- No large group gatherings such as whole school assemblies.
- Use of one-way systems within the school buildings.
- Using outdoor spaces where possible.
- Floor signage.
If your child requires face masks or Lateral Flow Tests, they can collect these from the Main office in school.
We know that in general COVID-19 doesn’t affect young people as seriously as it does others in our families and community. To help keep others safe, there are still some things you/your child can do to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
- Avoid contact with anyone at greater risk from the effects of COVID-19 infection.
This includes older people, those with long-term health conditions, and anyone who hasn’t received a full course of COVID-19 vaccine.
- Be alert for new symptoms.
If you/your child start to feel unwell, no matter how mild the symptoms are, you/your child should stay away from school and get a PCR test.
- Limit contact with large groups of people as much as possible.
Try to keep the number of people in close contact with you/your child to as few as possible. Avoid large gatherings outside of school, social events (e.g. birthday parties) and after-school activities.
- Keep washing hands regularly.
This is still an important way to limit the spread of many infections, including COVID-19.
Your child can continue to attend school provided your child remains well. However should they show symptoms you can book a PCR test online through the NHS website at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
We know how disruptive the last year has been for everyone. This year we want to keep your child in school as much as possible, but we also want to keep our communities safe from the effects of COVID-19. We hope that you will be able to play your part by following the advice above.
