Alexandra Primary School
Dear Parent/Carer
It has been another challenging term and school staff have played an important role in keeping children in school and responding to cases of Covid-19.
You will be aware from the media that cases of covid are again rising and this increase comes at the same time as new cases are emerging of the new Omicron variant, which spreads rapidly, and cases of this variant are doubling every 3 days.
In response to this new variant the Government put in place its Plan B guidance, and yesterday it was announced that the Covid booster vaccination programme will widen to offer a booster vaccination to anyone over 18 years of age before the end of December.
As schools break for the Christmas holiday, we know many of you will be meeting up with those you care about to celebrate Christmas and the New Year and I ask that you act on the following guidance to keep you, your friends and your family safe.
Get vaccinated.
Vaccination is the best form of defence against Covid-19. You can find out more about Covid vaccines and where to access a vaccination locally by clicking on this link: COVID-19 vaccine - NHS
From the 15th December specified venues and events will legally be required to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours unless they have a vaccination exemption.
Test using a lateral flow rapid test (LFD) before going out to events or meeting up with friends and family. Lateral flow tests can be ordered online or collected from a local pharmacy: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
If you have any Covid-19 symptoms you should book a PCR test https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19:
Face Masks
From the 10th December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor settings (unless exempt such as hospitality venues).
It is now mandatory for anyone over the age of 11 to wear a face covering when travelling on public transport (unless exempt).
Good Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day. Regular hand washing is an effective way to reduce your risk of catching illnesses, including COVID-19.
Socialising
If a member of your household tests positive, we recommend that the family limits social or non-essential activity (outside of the school day) for 10 days from the date of the first positive test, or the day symptoms started in the household. This will help to reduce ongoing transmission across the borough.
This is an important time. We have increasing covid case numbers, and more people hospitalised with severe Covid symptoms at a time of year when the NHS already has a huge amount of activity. Please help by playing your part. If we are to make the impact we need, and keep people safe and the able to access care when they are very unwell, we need everyone to help. Let’s protect the NHS and have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
Thank you for your continued support in tackling Covid-19.
Hounslow Public Health Team
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