Changes from Monday 17th January 2022

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (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 of their tests 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.

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. Further information on self-isolation for those with COVID-19 is available.

Changes to Covid 19 Testing Procedures from 11^th January 2022

As you will be aware, Covid-19 is very much still with us and we continue to do all that we can to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible and to keep our children, staff and families safe. We will continue to ventilate all buildings throughout the day.

We will continue to ensure that we maintain high levels of hygiene including increased hand washing and sanitising of surfaces. We will endeavour to do all that we can to keep children in school and learning alongside their peers.

You may also be aware the government procedures regarding isolation and testing have changed for everyone.

If you have Covid 19 symptoms:

• You must book and take a PCR test and isolate at home until you get the results.

• If PCR results are negative, you may stop isolating.

• If the PCR results are positive, you must isolate at home for up to 10 days. Please contact the school office to inform us if your child has a positive PCR result. You can email your results to hello@bromstone.kent.sch.uk

• On the 6th day of isolation, you can take a Lateral Flow Device test (LFD) and again 24 hours later on the 7th day – if both these tests are negative and your child feels well with no temperature, then the isolation can end on the 7th day, not the 10th day.

• Those who live with another family member who has tested positive should take an LFD test every day for a week, but do not need to isolate as long as the results are negative. A positive test means isolation for up to 10 days as above.

If you take a Lateral Flow Device Test that is positive, but have no symptoms:

• Log this on the government website at https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result

• Isolate at home immediately for 10 days 

• Please send confirmation of the positive LFD test to hello@bromstone.kent.sch.uk

• The Government have announced they are temporarily stopping the need to get a confirmatory PCR test for those testing positive on an LFD test without symptoms.

• If your child does display symptoms you should continue to book a PCR test.

• On the 6th day of isolation, you can take a Lateral Flow Device test (LFD) and again 24 hours later on the 7th day – if both these tests are negative and your child feels well with no temperature, then the isolation can end on the 7th day, not the 10th day.