Kingswood pupils told to self-isolate

A PUPIL in Year 9 at Kingswood Academy has tested positive for Covid-19, the school has confirmed.

In a letter dated Wednesday, October 14, the school in Wawne Road said a “small number” of Year 9 children “identified as close contacts” have been forced to selfisolate.

The school said all other pupils are required to continue to come to school “as normal”.

A letter sent to a parent and seen by the Mail read: “I am writing to let you know that we have been informed that one pupil in Year 9 at Kingswood Academy has tested positive for Covid-19.

“In line with Department for Education (DFE), Public Health England (PHE) and National

Health Service (NHS) guidance, we have performed a track and trace and a small number of Year 9 children identified as close contacts have been informed to self-isolate until October 24,

2020.

“Anyone identified as being a close contact has been asked to self-isolate until October 24,

2020, returning to school on November 2, 2020, following the half-term break and they received a separate letter informing them of this coronavirus (Covid-19): guidance - Gov.uk

“All other pupils are required to continue to come to school as normal.”

The letter then explains who the government has “defined” as a “close contact”.

The letter continued: “We will keep all parents updated and informed on any further developments.”

The school said it was taking the following precautionary measures.

“All pupils identified as a close contact will be asked to stay home and self-isolate until October 24, 2020, with the recommendation of having a test booked if they develop symptoms,” it said.

“Current guidance is that there is no requirements to get a test if an individual has no symptoms.

“We have been advised that currently other members of the household, including siblings do not need to self-isolate or test unless they develop symptoms because they are a “contact of a contact”.”