Dear parent/guardian,
In light of the most recent guidance from the Education Authority and the Public Health Agency, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the key points. They are as follows;
- As of today, schools are no longer to undertake contact tracing activities. Parents should however still inform the school of a confirmed positive PCR test.
- In the event of a child testing positive for Covid-19, the PHA Contact Tracing Service will have responsibility for close contact tracing.
- Those identified as a close contact will be notified by the PHA Contact Tracing Service.
- In certain circumstances the PHA Contact Tracing Service may contact schools in order to aid close contact tracing or to access contact information.
- In the event of a confirmed case, an alert letter will be issued to parents, informing them that a person with links to their child’s class has tested positive. This will not mean that whole class bubbles will be sent home or all children should get a test. Only those parents of children identified as a close contact will be notified by the PHA Contact Tracing Service.
- Those children who have already been identified as close contacts should continue to follow the advice given at that time which included the Day 8 test.
- When a positive case of COVID19 is identified in your child's class, you will receive a letter to inform you that is the case and if appropriate PHA will be in contact. Children will not be sent home or need to take a PCR test unless they become symptomatic or you are contacted by PHA.
A letter to parents from Professor McBride is also attached below.
