Dear Families,
I hope that you are all keeping well. I would like to update families on the situation at Shireland in relation to COVID-19. Currently we have only had 5 positive test results throughout the Academy, and we have worked closely with Public Health England to contain the spread of the infection internally. Each of these positive results have been traced back to family members and did not originate in the Academy.
We have had a few instances recently where there appears to have some confusion for families regarding the self-isolation laws. I have listed the law in relation to self-isolation below for your convenience. This can also be viewed at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.
When to self-isolate
Self-isolate immediately if:
• you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• you’ve tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
• you live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
• someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
• you’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app
• you arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk – see GOV.UK: how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
How to self-isolate
You must not leave your home if you’re self-isolating.
do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
do not go on public transport or use taxis
do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one.
When to get a test
Get a test as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of coronavirus.
The symptoms are:
• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
The test needs to be done in the first 8 days of having symptoms.
You do not need to get a test if you have no symptoms or if you have different symptoms.
I hope that you find this information useful.
Yours sincerely,
Mr D Irish
Principal
