Dear Parent or Carer
As you will be aware, the First Minister’s announcement on Wednesday 5 January 2022 confirmed a number of changes to the self-isolation rules. Information on these changes and when the rules apply can be found on the NHS Inform website.
In summary:
Positive cases (regardless of vaccination status) – Anyone who tests positive are advised to self-isolate for 10 days. This is the same for everyone, regardless of whether the individual has received three doses of the vaccine or if they have not.
However, it is possible to end self-isolation earlier if the individual returns a negative result on two consecutive lateral flow device (LFD) tests and: the first test is taken no earlier than day six the second test is taken 24 hours after the first test they have no fever. See Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for individuals with possible coronavirus infection.
Close contacts (with no symptoms or have tested negative) – Anyone who is a close contact can take a daily lateral flow device (LFD) test for seven days instead of self-isolating as long as they are: fully vaccinated and have received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine (plus it has been 14 days since the last dose was administered), or aged under 18 years and 4 months. The results of the daily LFD tests must be negative and the individual must remain without symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). All LFD test results, whether negative, positive, or void, must be recorded online on the UK government website.
If someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are waiting on results of a PCR test, others in the household do not need to self-isolate if they meet the above criteria and take a LFD test daily. If any of the test results are positive or the person develops symptoms, they must immediately self-isolate. See the guidance for positive cases in the section above.
Anyone who has not received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will need to book a PCR test and self-isolate. Even if they get a negative result from that test, they must self-isolate for 10 days. Children under the age of 5 are encouraged to take a test but are not required to do so.
Advice on confirmatory PCR tests – Where people test positive on a lateral flow device (LFD) test without symptoms, they are now advised that they do not need to get a PCR test to confirm the infection but must follow the current self-isolation advice. You should report all lateral flow device (LFD) test results, whether positive, negative, or void, on the online portal.
As always, anyone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) should book a PCR test and self-isolate pending the result. Please keep the school informed of your child’s absence at all times.
Bubbles in ELCC – We have re-introduced groupings, also known as bubbles, for the ELCC when children are indoors. . Children can mix freely when outdoors.
Drop offs and pick ups – The existing drop-off and pick-up arrangements for the nursery remain in place. If there are any specific changes to this we will let you know. Your continued support with this is greatly appreciated. Please wear a face covering when dropping off/picking up your child and keep your distance from other adults. This will also support the messages that we are giving our children about everyone’s safety and wellbeing. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time when the situation and guidance change so quickly.
Williamsburgh ELCC Team
