Helston Community College coronavirus update including face coverings and new variant

Helston Community College has issued a covid update after new national measures were put in place.

Stricter covid rules were put in place this week in response to concern over the newly identified Omicron variant.

Face coverings were once again made compulsory on public transport and in shops.

People entering the UK are required to take a PCR test and self isolate until they receive a negative result.

All cases of suspected cases are to self-isolate for 10 days.

In response to these rule changes, Helston Community College wrote to parents today (1st) with a reminder on face coverings, isolating, and vaccinations.

Andrew Oates, Senior Assistant Headteacher, said:

"Most of the guidance hasn't changed and the new national measures that are being introduced are temporary and precautionary and will be reviewed in three weeks.

"We continue to ask that face coverings be worn by all staff and adult visitors when moving around the school premises such as in corridors and communal areas, unless an individual is exempt. Face coverings do not need to be worn in classrooms or when outdoors.

"While we will supply face coverings to those who do not have them, please encourage your child to bring their own, reusable, face-covering to school every day. This helps to protect all members of our community, as well as being better for the environment."

On attendance, Mr Oates said:

"Attendance is mandatory for all students of compulsory school age and it is a priority to ensure that as many children as possible regularly attend school. Students who have symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend school, until they have taken a PCR test which shows a negative result for COVID-19."

With the emergence of the new variant, the school asks that individuals who have been identified as a close contact of a suspected or confirmed case, will be contacted directly, asked to take a PCR test and to self-isolate for a period of 10 days, irrespective of vaccination status and age.

"The government is advising eligible staff and students aged 12 and over to take up the offer of the vaccine, including boosters," he added.

The school also encouraged staff and students to continue to regularly test over Christmas. With more test kits to be given to students before the end of term.

A further update is set to follow soon on testing of all students during the week commencing 4th January 2022.

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