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The Bishop of Winchester Academy

The Bishop
of Winchester
Academy

Covid 19 Update

Over the past 2 weeks we have been made aware of people in our school community who have tested positive for Covid 19.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and this letter is to provide advice on how to support your child.  Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid 19) will be a mild illness.

Students and staff who have tested positive are self-isolating.  The small number of children who have been identified as contacts of the confirmed case will have guidance from NHS Test and Trace and will be advised to take a PCR test. 

The academy remains open and, providing your child remains well, they can continue to attend school as normal.  We would encourage you to ensure that your child tests twice weekly using the tests supplied through the school.  You are also able to pick up lateral flow tests for the rest of your household from local pharmacies or local collection sites.  The following link indicates locations where tests can be collected local to the academy - https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/#/location/BH8%209PW

Face Coverings

With effect from Monday 11th October we are recommending that staff and students wear face coverings in communal areas and when moving around the academy site, to help keep your child, our staff, and the community safe.  Please discuss this with your child and make a face covering available to them. 

Symptoms of Covid 19

The most common symptoms of Covid 19 are recent onset of:

  • New continuous cough and/or
  • High temperature
  • A loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of Covid 19

If you child develops symptoms of Covid 19, you should organise for your child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. 

How to stop Covid 19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with Covid 19.

Do:

  • Keep a safe distance (at least 2 metres) away from people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble
  • Reduce the time spent in crowded areas where it may be difficult to social distance
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • Clean surfaces often, paying particular attention to surfaces touched often (eg light switches or electronic devices)
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.  Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag immediately and wash your hands
  • Wear a face covering in indoor spaces where social distancing may be difficult
  • Keep indoor spaces as well ventilated as possible – let fresh air in, even if for a short period a day

Further Information

Further information is available at

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

and

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

  • Duke of Edinburgh
  • Diocese of Winchester