The head teachers of both our village schools have confirmed cases of Coronavirus have been detected among their pupils.
After a positive COVID-19 test result last week from a Year 4 student from St Peter’s Junior School on Ashworth Avenue, seventeen others from the same year group have also since tested positive for the virus, including a member of staff. Consequently, most of this year are now in isolation.
Then, this morning, a parent reported to us that a class of children from James Peacock Infants School in Manor Park were turned away at drop-off. Head Teacher, Richard Waldron, has confirmed to RUDDINGTON.info this was because one pupil there gave a positive Lateral Flow Test (LFT) result – and the school is is now awaiting the outcome of a (more accurate) PCR test.
Meantime, St Peter’s Head, Micheal Bradley, is hopeful that the COVID-19 outbreak there has now been contained. “The 18 positive cases in school over the past week have all been within Year 4 and, in the majority of cases, the pupils were already self-isolating as a result of previous contact with the initial confirmed case” he reveals. “We have taken all necessary actions to minimise the risk for the rest of our pupils and staff including, for this week, moving to class bubbles outside and cancelling after school clubs, etc. We hope that anyone who could be potentially positive is now self-isolating and so there should be no further disruption to staff and pupils.”
Public Health England has been contacted and the school advised no further measures are required than those already put in place. However, he stresses everyone needs to be on their guard: “With most pupils either showing no symptoms or cold-like, rather than classic symptoms, and the fact we have had siblings of Year 4 and secondary pupils who have recently tested positive in school, we still need to remain extra vigilant over the coming days. It is clear that there is now a potential risk of infection in our local community. Please help us contain the virus by ensuring good hygiene, wearing face masks when required, making space and meeting in the fresh air.”
Mr Bradley also highlights recent changes to the Government’s COVID-19 test policy: “Up to now, PCR tests have mostly been recommended for people with COVID-19 symptoms or to confirm a positive LFD test result. However, in a recent change to guidance, you can now get a PCR test if you are a close contact of someone who tested positive for Coronavirus, even if you don’t have any symptoms yourself. This would apply to any of our pupils who have been identified as a close contact and instructed to self-isolate by school. Close contacts getting a PCR test will help to spot infections early and this will help to avoid passing infection on to others.”
With a general increase in COVID cases in Ruddington, taking us above the national average, the importance of carrying out regular lateral flow tests is being reiterated, even if you are double vaccinated.
Emma Anderson, of Evans Pharmacy in Ruddington, advises: “Two COVID vaccines is the most effective way to protect yourself against serious illness from COVID. Unfortunately it is still possible for fully vaccinated people to transmit COVID to other people. Therefore we recommend that everyone continues to lateral flow test twice a week. These tests are free of charge to everyone and available from the pharmacy and NHS test sites“
Parents and guardians of children at both schools are urged to organise a PCR test as soon as possible after a positive LFT – or being told to self-isolate – by going online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Until the UK Government approves the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for children under 18 it seems inevitable that Coronavirus outbreaks will continue to be a problem in our schools for the foreseeable future. However it’s hoped that, with the most vulnerable now vaccinated, these are less likely to lead to serious illness than when the pandemic first forced all schools to close in March 2020.
