Schools Update from Public Health Devon

Covid-19 rates are currently at a similar level to this time last year and it is likely there will be a similar rise in the rates over the winter months.

Acute respiratory infections, as well as other infections, including Scarlet Fever and Norovirus are also circulating in addition to the start of the Flu season.  The health and care system is planning for a very challenging winter.

‘Health Protection in Education and Childcare Settings’ is the key guidance for supporting education settings around infection protection control measures, exclusion periods for different infections and advice around when and how to contact the UKHSA South West Health Protection Team.

In all settings, baseline infection prevention and control measures will help to manage the spread of infection. Children with mild, respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education or childcare setting. The school should have a local policy for the appropriate exclusion of staff, children and young people while they are likely to be infectious. They should also have a procedure for contacting parents and/or caregivers when children become unwell at the setting.

The government now recommends that children and young people are only tested for Covid-19 if directed to do so by a health professional. However, if a child does test and is positive, they’re advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after testing and for adults they are advised to stay at home for 5 days.

It is important that schools have in place an Emergency Plan or business continuity plan. There is DfE guidance available on general emergency planning and response which includes public health incidents. Devon schools should move away from a specific Covid action plan to using either the school’s emergency planning document or business continuity plan with a section specifically on dealing with infectious disease outbreaks.

For schools or settings that buy into Devon County Council Health and Safety Service SLA should contact the Health and Safety Team at [email protected] if they need advice. For other settings and schools not part of the SLA, they should contact their health and safety competent person for advice.