Dear Parent/Carer,

Re: Information regarding a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Year 3 contact group at St. Gabriel’s RC Primary School.

Following my communication with you yesterday when I alerted you to the fact that Year 3 would need to begin self-isolating, I was able to speak to the Infectious Diseases department this morning and I can now confirm the dates of the isolation period.

All children in Year 3 should self-isolate for 10 days from last contact with the positive case which was Friday. Therefore, your child must isolate up to and including Monday 21^st June.

The return date to school for Year 3 pupils is Tuesday 22^nd June.

Your child must self-isolate by staying at home.

Your child should remain at home.  They should not go to public areas or other people’s houses, and they must not use public transport until the period of self-isolation has finished.  Please minimise contact with other people in your home and do not invite people to visit your home.

Please note that siblings aren’t affected and can attend school as normal.

Please continue to be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19:

• a new or continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

If your child develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild, you need to:

• book a test for them by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/testing-for-covid-19/
• follow the advice provided when your child receives their test result

• phone school on 01633 273937 or email stgabriels.primary@newportschools.wales and let us know that your child is unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
• ensure your child self-isolates for 10 days from when their symptoms started
• ensure all other household members isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms
• ensure you 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

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in your family 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

Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here: https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing

Further information on NHS Wales ‘Test, Trace’, Protect can be found here: https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

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

You are aware of all the measures we have put in place to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19. I want to reassure you that we will continue to be vigilant and do all we can to provide the safest possible environment for our school community.

If you need any support or further information, please do get in touch.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Maria Harris

Headteacher