Dear Parent, Carers, Families,

As I am sure you are aware, we have had two positive cases of Covid 19 reported to us via Environmental Health, and both Year 4 and Year R/1 Miss Burton are completing their period of self-isolation.

I am now looking at how we can collectively minimise any further cases. This is going to be very challenging, as Environmental Health has confirmed that the Caldicot area is a ‘hot spot’.

We know that from the day of onset of symptoms, the Environmental Health Team count back 2 days, and consider them to be part of the persons infectious period.

I was therefore wondering that as we have just had 2 days apart for the weekend, we could be extra cautious and vigilant for symptoms to maximise the usefulness of the 2 day break. If you think that your child may be unwell, air on the side of caution, and do not send them. Monitor them carefully and send them back as soon as you feel that they are well. If you are concerned at all, contact 119 for further advice.

This may allow us to capitalise on the 2 day break that the weekend has given us and keep any spread to a minimum.

Your children are absolutely welcome at school, and we are not asking you to keep them away unnecessarily, only if they are unwell.

I will try to keep you as informed as I possibly can, and below are some links to further advice,

Kind regards,

Caroline Swann

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/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
• Inform Archbishop Rowan Williams CiW Primary School that they are 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
• All other household members isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms

• 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