Important Message: Covid Cluster P2A Mrs McKerr's Class

Please see the letter below from PHA. We have experiended a high number of positive cases in Primary 2A Mrs McKerr's class. All children in P2A Mrs McKerr's class should take a LFT, preferably on Sunday evening, before returning to school on Monday.

ADDITIONAL LATERAL FLOW DEVICE TESTING AS PART OF COVID-19 CLUSTER INVESTIGATION

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Public Health Agency has been notified of a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tannaghmore Primary School. We are working closely with the school principal and management team to review all the cases as part of our overall risk assessment in the school. All those who were high risk close contacts of the cases have already been identified, advised on self-isolation and testing.

Even though the school is taking actions to reduce transmission, we are investigating the cluster to reduce the risk of further spread. To help with this we would like to find out if other students who are not currently off school with COVID infection might also be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Even if your child has no new symptoms, we are asking pupils in P2A at Tannaghmore Primary School to undertake a lateral flow COVID test (LFT) at home before coming back into school.

If the lateral flow test is positive your child should isolate immediately and is now to be treated as a case of Covid-19. It is extremely important that you report your child’s positive lateral flow test online. Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This will trigger contact tracing processes to alert people your child has been in close contact with and toprovide them with advice regarding their potential to become infected and spread the virus. You should also inform the school.

Most people do not need to take a follow-up PCR test, but if your child is over 12 and has certain conditions e.g. Down’s Syndrome, they may need a follow-up PCR test to see if they are eligible for new antibody or antiviral COVID-19 treatments. You can check here to see if this applies to your child Treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19) | nidirect . If it does apply please do book a PCR test as soon as possible.

If the Lateral Flow test is negative, your child can return to school.

I know that organising tests and staying at home waiting for results may be hard for you and your child but it is vital to help reduce the risk of transmission in the community.

Your support is very much appreciated.

Yours sincerely
Dr Stephen Bergin
Director of Public Health (Interim)