Changes to self-isolation

Dear Parents/Carers

From Monday 17th January, changes have been made to how long you need to self-isolate, should you have a positive LFD. Please see the below DFE message: Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19 This change came into effect in England on Monday 17 January and applies to all positive cases, regardless of vaccination status. People who are self-isolating with COVID-19 have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with an LFD test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace. If the result of either test is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest. The new rules also apply to people who are already isolating – so if someone was already isolating before Monday 17 January, they can take LFD tests on day 5 and 6 and if they are both negative and they have no temperature they can end their isolation. Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10-day period of self-isolation. Please ensure you continue to complete LFD tests with your child regularly. This isn't compulsory for primary aged children but it is advisable in order to keep the whole school community as safe as possible and to avoid further class closures and periods of remote learning. It is essential that if your child develops any symptoms you complete a LFD, but evidence is showing that many children remain asymptomatic, so it is advised that you should certainly complete LFD before you visit vulnerable members of your family, such as grandparents. If any household members test positive, then it is compulsory for other household members to test daily before going to school/work.

Thank you for your cooperation with this and for ensuring we all stay safe and well. Kind regards Mrs Rooney