“It’s vital we all do our bit to keep covid away” from schools, says senior councillor

“It’s vital we all do our bit to keep covid away” from schools, a senior councillor has said.

With students now back in the classroom and a new university term about to get underway, parents, carers and learners are being urged to follow Welsh Government guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus.

The last term saw wide scale disruption with a two week firebreak, nationwide lockdown and whole classes sent home to isolate as part of the previous “bubble” system.

In a bid to help keep schools open, parents, carers and learners are being encouraged to follow these guidelines:

• If your child has any symptoms, however mild, keep them at home and get a test.
• Secondary school pupils are being asked to take two lateral flow tests a week.
• Get the vaccine if it’s offered to you or your child (at the moment, everyone in Wales aged 16+ can get the vaccine).
• Wash hands regularly.
• Follow the school rules on face coverings. Secondary pupils (Year 7 and above) will need to wear them on school transport.

Those who drop off or collect their children at the school gates (for example, if they attend primary school) are being asked to consider wearing a face-mask if there are lots of people around.

Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “Although the situation is much better than it was last year due to the success of vaccination, the virus is still here – so it’s vital we all do our bit to keep Covid away.

“If your child is in secondary school, please make sure they take a lateral flow test twice-a-week and follow the rules on face-coverings…especially on school transport.

“And if they show any symptoms at all, keep them at home and book a PCR test.

“After a difficult 18 months, it’s really important that children get to make the most of school this term, so let’s work together to help keep our classrooms safe and our learners learning.”