Dear Parent/Carer
Guidance from Public Health England
All close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases should now be advised to obtain a PCR test
Please be advised that new guidance was introduced by Public Health England in May 2021 in relation to the PCR testing of all close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
The change in guidance is being made to provide an additional measure to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and any new variants. We understand that this might be challenging with younger pupils.
All close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases are now advised to get a PCR test. This applies to all children, young people and adults.
Please find below further relevant information which may be of assistance.
Why:
It is only the close contacts of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 who need to get a PCR test.
If a close contact is awaiting a PCR test result, it is advisable to wait for the result before they return to the setting, if at all possible. Please do not return to the setting until the PCR test result is known if displaying any symptoms.
Please remember, all close contacts are still required to isolate for 10 days (with or without a test result) as per the original guidance.
How close contacts can access PCR testing
Close contacts should access PCR testing via the normal routes. You can book a test online or if you do not have access to the internet, telephone 119. The quickest way to access a PCR test is to attend a local testing site (booking in advance is required and PCR tests are usually available in the mornings). If transport is an issue, you can arrange for a test to be sent to your home.
When booking a test online, you will get to a screen that says: ‘Why are you asking for a test?’. Close contacts should tick the following box ‘I’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive for coronavirus’.
Is there an ideal time during the 10-day isolation period when a close contact should get a PCR test?
Ideally, an individual should get a PCR test as soon as possible after being identified as a close contact (however, getting a test at any point during the 10-day isolation period is acceptable).
We have a close contact who is due to return to the setting and has not had a PCR test. Are they allowed to come back?
Yes, as with all testing, it is strongly advised but cannot be enforced. Therefore, if you have a close contact at your setting who has not been tested, they are allowed to return to the setting when they have completed their 10-day isolation period, as long as they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
If a close contact is awaiting a PCR test result, we advise waiting for the result before they return to the setting if at all possible. They should definitely not return to the setting until their PCR test result is known if they have developed symptoms.
What happens next?
Once a PCR test has been taken, you will be notified of the result by the National Track & Trace system and further instructions will follow, depending on the result.
It would also be helpful if you could please advise us of your result, this way we can ensure the continuing safety of everyone within our setting and stop the spread within our community.
Yours faithfully
UCC