HELSBY High School headteacher Martin Hill has spelled out changes in the Covid 19 testing arrangements.
The self-isolation period can now start immediately after a positive asymptomatic LFD test result, he says
If a positive LFD test result is accompanied by symptoms then a PCR test should still be taken.
Students who are self-isolating now have the option to finish their isolation period after five full days if they test negative with a LFD test on both Day Five and Day Six and they do not have a high temperature.
For example, if a negative result is returned first thing in the morning of Day Five, and on the morning of Day Six, students can then end their self-isolation and return to school immediately on Day Six.
But Mr Hill stresses that the first test must be taken no earlier than Day Five of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. If the result of either test is positive, self-isolation must be continued until negative results are returned from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until the full 10 days of self-isolation have been completed, whichever is earliest.
If a student continues to have a temperature then they will need to complete the full10 day period of self-isolation.
The dates when second doses of the Covid vaccine will be offered to Helsby High students have now been proposed.
They are Monday March 14 for Years 8 and 9
Tuesday March 15 for Years 7, 10 and 11
Wednesday March 16 will be a Reserve Day
Parents will be contacted regarding consent by the School Age Immunisation Service nearer the time.