Dear Parents/Carers
Positive COVID-19 Cases within the School Community
We have been advised that there have been potential positive cases of COVID-19 within school community.
Following the advice given to us by Public Health England, Public Health Sandwell and the Local Authority, we have asked students in the affected Pathway and transport routes to self-isolate until Thursday 1 July, pending a COVID test result. School remains open for all other students.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 .
Please inform the school office of the illness so we are able to provide the relevant support.
Symptoms of COVID 19
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature and/or
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
However, Dudley and Sandwell Councils are reporting that some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 have displayed other symptoms. We would like to encourage pupils and their families to get a PCR test as a precaution if they display any of these symptoms however minor:
• headaches
• aches and pains
• feeling very tired for no good reason
• sore throat
• runny nose
• sneezing
• tummy ache in children.
Please do not send your child in to school if they are displaying any of these symptoms – please arrange for a PCR test.
PCR tests can be booked through https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19.
Do
• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Please let me assure you that we have a rigorous system here at The Westminster School and the health and safety of the School community is our top priority.
If you have any further concerns or questions, please contact the Senior Leadership Team on headteacher@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk.
Thank you for your continued help and support.
Yours faithfully
Mr O M Flowers Head Teacher
Attachments