Covid-19 Self Isolation Rules & Home Testing
Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason.
Individuals should now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart.
Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation. Further information is available in the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Daily testing for close contacts of COVID-19
People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their school setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.
Home Testing
As you will be aware, your child has been provided with regular supplies of LFT home testing kits. The government recommendation is that all secondary aged students should now be home testing a minimum of twice a week. We will provide you with more test kits as soon as we receive them and would be most grateful if you would ensure that your child is testing themselves regularly. Current Public Health England (PHE) advice is that your child should be testing twice every week. If a test is positive your child should book and take a PCR test and should self-isolate until the result is received. If you need more test kits urgently please contact enquiries@energycoastutc.co.uk
Face coverings
Please note that until further notice all staff, students and visitors to the UTC should wear a face covering unless they are medically exempt. This will be enforced through our behaviour system. Face coverings must now be worn at all times, in corridors and public areas and including in the classroom. They should only be removed when eating or drinking, and this should only take place in the canteen or hall.
The new PHE and DfE guidance states:
“From today, Sunday 2 January, ……… face coverings are (to be) worn in classrooms where pupils in year 7 and above are educated. The advice is short term only, to support pupils and teachers as they return to school this term and builds on the existing proportionate guidance that recommends face coverings for all adults in communal areas of all settings. We are updating our guidance to reflect this. The advice on face coverings in classrooms will be in place until Wednesday 26 January, when Plan B regulations are currently scheduled to expire, at which point it will be reviewed.”
We have some students who have told us they are medically exempt but from whom we have not yet
received proof of medical exemption. If your child is medically exempt please inform us of the details of their medical exemption in writing. This should include GP / doctor’s information where necessary. Please ensure we receive these details before students return to school. If you have written to us since my last December letter we will have this information and you do not need to repeat it. Thank you for your support with this.