Return to School: Tuesday 11th January

Sunday 9th January 2022

As we prepare for our return to school the following information is shared to support a safe a sustained return.   This post follows recent Covid-19 updates from the Scottish Government.

In light of the Omicron variant safety mitigations that were already in place will continue to be followed and some measures that were previously relaxed are being reintroduced.  For example,  we will reinstate common seating plans wherever possible for S1 and S2 students.

The importance of regular LFD testing is stressed throughout Scottish Government Guidance and especially before a return to school.  We will take further steps to make the distribution of test kits more straightforward for students.  Our minimum expectations for students, and staff, is that they test on a Sunday night and Wednesday morning.  Please ensure that results are registered through the UK portal;  https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result

The latest advice makes clear that those who have tested positive within 90 days should also continue to participate in routine asymptomatic LFD testing.

However, as students do not return until Tuesday 11th January we are requesting that all students also test this week on Monday evening.

I’m sure that you are aware of a new approach to self-isolation for confirmed cases and close contacts of positive cases.  There are some significant changes.

• Positive cases are advised to self-isolate for 10 days. However, if the individual returns two consecutive negative LFD tests taken at least 24 hours apart on Day 6 and Day 7 and if they have no fever they may end isolation and return to school.  This would include a return on Day 7 if the negative LFD test is taken before school.  This is good news and reduces any absence from in-person learning.
• Close contacts who are fully vaccinated, having received 3 doses of the vaccination (plus 14 days) or are aged under 18 years and 4 months, can take daily LFD tests for 7 days instead of isolation – provided the tests are negative and they remain without symptoms.  Again this is good news and reduces any absence from in-person learning.
• Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 within 90 days should still participate in appropriate daily LFD testing in line with NHS guidance when they are identified as contacts.
• Please note that the above changes do not apply to confirmed cases and close contacts identified up to and including Wednesday 5th January.

In terms of Covid-19 symptoms and test results the following should be noted,

• Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 (high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste) must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test. They must do so even if they have a negative LFD test.
• Anyone who has a positive LFD test result with no symptoms, and then goes on to develop symptoms, do not need a confirmatory PCR test unless advised by a clinician, or unless the individual, parent/guardian or carer is planning on applying for the Self-Isolation Support Grant, in which case a confirmatory positive PCR is required.
• In summary, anyone testing positive on an LFD or PCR test must self-isolate for 10 days regardless of age or vaccination status. However, if the person tests negative on Day 6 and Day 7 LFD tests (taken at least 24 hours apart, with the first test no earlier than Day 6) they may leave isolation if they have no fever after their Day 7 test.

In these challenging times clear communication is vital.  It will help keep everyone safe.  Our staff will be vigilant to any potential signs of Covid-19 and will always err on the side of caution in contacting parents/carers. We will ask parents/carers whether their child has tested positive for COVID-19 when parents are reporting absences.  We also expect that parents/carers should state any positive tests when leaving messages about absences.

Please note that as advised on our website post of 22/12/21 students there will be no school catering available in January and early February. This is to allow Midlothian Council to assess the situation in relation to staffing when we return. The situation may change and we will keep you updated. For those eligible for free school meals BACs payments will be in bank accounts on Tuesday, payments cover 11^th January to 5^th February.

 

 

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