Dear Parents/ Guardians
As you may already know from the media the PHA have now taken over the 'track & trace' of Covid 19 cases in schools. The PHA Contact Tracing Service will undertake a more targeted approach to the identification of close contacts of Covid cases in schools, therefore it will no longer be the whole class identified as close contacts. If your child tests positive you will be contacted by the PHA's Contact Tracing Service on 028 9536 8888. It is really important you answer this call to help PHA CTS identify close contacts and reduce further spread.
Those identifed as close contacts by this process will be contacted by the PHA CTS by phone or text, advised they have been identified as a close contact and directed to advice on self-isolation and testing (http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-self-isolating) and also see Parental Flow Chart for Close Contacts attached below.
It is very important that parents inform the school if your child tests positive for Covid so that we can be vigilant in class and record attendance for your child in the appropriate way. A 'warn and inform/ alert letter' will be sent out if there is a case in your child's class (see 'warn and inform/ alert' letter attached below) to remind parents to remain vigilant and mitigate against the spread of Covid 19.
It is important as a school community that we all remain vigilant to the transmission of Covid 19. If your child has symptoms please book a PCR test, even if an earlier one was negative. Your child should self isolate until you receive the result. If your child tests positive please inform the school, self isolate and follow PHA guidance.
The Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Michael McBride has written the attached letter to reassure parents as to the benefits of this new approach.
I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our parents and staff for their continued support.
Kind Regards
Mrs Fiona McCann
