Date: 13/12/2020

Dear Parent or Carer,

NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect has been informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in St Joseph’s Primary School

St Joseph’s Primary remains open and will close in line with LA guidelines on Tuesday 16th December .  It is working closely with Public Health Wales, the Local Authority and NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to ensure that all the appropriate measures are in place to protect students, staff and the wider community. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and to provide advice on how to support your child.

All close contacts of the case have been identified and have received appropriate advice to self-isolate.

 However, as a precaution, please be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19:

If your child does develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild,  please get them tested as soon as possible. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• fever (greater than 37.8°C);
• new persistent/continuous cough; and/or
• loss or change in sense of taste or smell.
• Book a test for them by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

• Inform St Joseph’s Primary that they are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
• Do not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital but if you require medical advice please contact NHS 111 or telephone your GP; if there is a medical emergency phone 999
• Please follow the advice provided when your child receives their test result

If anyone in your household develops any of these symptoms, however mild, they need to stay at home (10 days for the person with symptoms and 10 days for the rest of the household), seek at test as soon as possible and follow the guidance at https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus. Further detail on how to apply for a test is provided at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test or simply call the free phone number 119 between the hours of 7am to 11pm. Please make sure you keep your child’s school informed.

The process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ where schools and settings are required to follow these guidelines carefully. The latest information on COVID-19 track trace system can be found on the Welsh Government’s website on https://gov.wales/education-settings-coronavirus-testing-and-contract-tracing-guidance.  

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in your family can do to help. These include:

• washing hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• washing hands as soon as they get home
• covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze
• putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards

Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing

Further formation on Test, Trace, Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

For general information on COVID-19 https://gov.wales/protect-yourself-others-coronavirus 

The COVID-19 online symptom checker can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do https://gov.wales/check-if-you-need-coronavirus-medical-help 

Stay safe,

 Alex Riordan