Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A coronavirus is a type of virus. The following cardinal symptoms may develop after exposure to someone who has COVID-19 infection

• new continuous cough;

• high temperature; and/or

•  loss of taste and/or smell.

Generally, these infections can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, such as older people and/or those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. There is no evidence that children are more affected than other age groups – very few cases have yet to have been reported in children.

How COVID-19 is spread?
From what we know about other coronaviruses, spread of COVID-19 is most likely to happen when there is close contact (within 2 metres) with an infected person. It is likely that the risk increases the longer someone has close contact with an infected person.

Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including

• students/staff who feel unwell (or develop high temperature or a new cough) should stay at home for 10 days;

• washing your hands often - with liquid soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport;covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. Students, staff and visitors should wash their hands
  
  1) before leaving home;
  2) on arrival at school;
  3) after using the toilet;
  4) after breaks and sporting activities;
  5) before food preparation;
  6) before eating any food, including snacks; and
  7) before leaving school.

• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;

• avoid close contact with people who are unwell; 

• if you are worried about your symptoms or those of a child or colleague, please use the Coronavirus COVID-19 symptom checker on NHS Direct Wales. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment;

• see the latest information about novel coronavirus on the Public Health Wales website.

In the event of a full/partial school closure (short-term and/or long-term)
The school will only close where there is direct guidance/recommendation from appropriate authorities eg. Public Health Wales and/or where there are insufficient numbers of staff available to safely deliver an education to students. In the event of a school closure, staff will not be able to access the school site. Therefore, in this situation the school will

• Provide students in all year groups with a mixture of online learning, with increased support for those students preparing to sit public examinations in the summer; 

• Communicate with families/students on a regular basis to provide updates on recovery phase ie. safe return to normal school life.

Upon return to 'normal practices' the school will

• Undertake a learning audit for examination classes to identify skills-gaps in readiness for the summer series;

• Communicate with relevant awarding bodies to make them aware of any requirements for special considerations;

• Respond to any ongoing support required for students and/or staff. This may include counselling services.

Communication
Throughout the UK Government response phases to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) the school will work closely with relevant authorities to make decisions which are in the interests of the all members of the community. However, to support the safety, wellbeing and continued learning of students the school asks that all families

• Sign up to the school twitter feed @Caldicot_Sch to be able to access relevant information in the eventuality of a partial/full closure;

• Ensure that the school has the correct email address in order to maintain communication throughout the process;

• Talk to child(ren) about hygiene practices and make use of relevant sites to reduce anxiety.

Lateral Flow Testing 
There is no routine requirement for students and/or staff to engage in regular lateral flow tests. However, students and staff are encouraged to continue with this to help identify asymptomatic cases.  The intention is that students/staff test themselves twice per week (Sunday and Wednesday at 6.00pm). These tests should be undertaken on the same days and times each week. Testing is conducted at home, not on the school premises. Comprehensive guidance on self-testing is contained in the ‘Instructions for Use’ leaflet which will be provided with the test kit. Tests are only to be undertaken during term time.  Tests are entirely voluntary to help reduce the spread of the virus but are not mandatory.

Each time the test is taken, we would appreciate the result being be logged online at www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result. The result should be uploaded within 24 hours of the test being undertaken. The barcode on the test strip is required when submitting the test. Following completion of the form, you will receive a notification of a positive or negative result from NHS Test & Trace.

Self-isolation requirements
From 29th October 2021, self-isolation guidance has changed if someone in the household has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and/or has received a positive PCR test. In these circumstances

• Fully vaccinated or those under the age of 18 must self-isolate and take a PCR test. If the test is negative, then the self-isolation can cease, providing the person remains well; and/or
• Non-fully vaccinated or those over 18 must self-isolate for 10 days. In this case, a PCR should be arranged for day 2 and and day 8. If these are negative, then the requirement is that self-isolation continues for the full 10-day period.

Distance/Remote Learning
We have set up a specific page for remote learning. This is designed to support students who may be working at home. The page outlines the school's approach to remote learning, underpinned by research, as well as useful documents and help for families. For any questions related to distance learning, please contact Mr Davies, Assistant Head by email. 

Useful Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
UK Government (COVID-19)
Welsh Government (COVID-19)
Public Health Wales