Dear Parent/Carer,
Ebbw Fawr Learning Community Secondary Phase, is sorry to inform you that a further pupil within the school has tested positive for COVID-19. The positive case was reported to the school on Sunday 25th of October 2020. The affected pupils and staff have been identified and asked to self-isolate in line with current Government guidelines, and in consultation with the Environmental Health Department, Public Health Wales and Blaenau Gwent Education team.
All pupils who have not been contacted or spoken to by the Test Trace and Protect team or the school, are not required to self-isolate.
We appreciate the concern that this may cause you and your family. Please rest assured that the school are working in partnership with the Local Authority Health and Safety and Environmental Health teams, along with Public Health Wales and the NHS Test Trace and Protect service; to ensure that Ebbw Fawr Learning Community remains as safe as possible for all users including our staff and pupils during this period.
Staff, parents and carers will be kept up to date in relation to any changes and or developments regarding this situation.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone 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
Please be alert for symptoms of COVID-19 in your child, which are:
- A new or continuous cough
- A high temperature
- A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste
If your child or any household members develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild:
- Call 119 to book a test or book via the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
- Inform the school that they are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
- Your child should remain in self-isolation
- All other household members should isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms
- 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
- If you require medical advice for COVID-19 symptoms or another reason, please inform the healthcare worker that your child is a contact of a case of COVID-19 and in self-isolation
- Please follow the advice provided when your child receives their test result
Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing
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
With best wishes,
Mrs. M. Thomas
Head of Secondary