Dear Parent / Carer
I want to update you on changes we have received from Welsh Government regarding Covid guidelines in schools.
Wales completed the move to Alert Level Zero on 28 January. Welsh Government have stated that case rates of Covid-19 have reduced from the levels seen around the Christmas and New Year period, and now appear to have stabilised. Although community rates remain at high levels, the progress made by the vaccination programme means that hospital admissions and direct harms are much lower than what has been seen during previous waves of the virus.
Because of this, WG have recommended a cautious approach, where all schools move to ‘High risk’ level and implement the following changes commencing after half term. (Tuesday March 1st)
- Staff and secondary-aged learners are encouraged to use Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) twice a week. (This advice does not impact on arrangements for those identified as contacts of positive cases, who we advise to use LFTs each day for 7 days or those who have symptoms, who should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test as soon as possible).
- Pupils will not be required to wear face coverings in classrooms, although learners can continue to wear a face covering if they wish.
- Pupils, staff and visitors are still expected to wear face coverings when moving around indoor communal areas outside of the classroom, such as corridors, where physical distance cannot be maintained.
I hope this clarifies the Covid situation for the beginning of the next half term. I will notify you immediately if we receive any further information from the local authority or Welsh Government.
We look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Tuesday, March 1st following our inset day on the 28th of February.
Regards
M Franklin
Headteacher