Variant brings fear to school gates
BUT PARENTS PRAISE HEAD AND STAFF’S QUICK RESPONSE TO CRISIS
PARENTS have raised “serious concerns” over their safety after a positive case of the new Omicron Covid19 variant led to mass testing at a West Bridgford school.
The Nottingham person found to have tested positive for the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 is a University of Nottingham student. The case was announced on Saturday but no further information was released at the time.
Public health chiefs have now publicly confirmed that Heymann Primary School is being tested in light of the situation.
Parents were sent an email on Sunday.
Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health for Nottinghamshire, confirmed that the school was being tested due to a link between a pupil and a confirmed case.
The school’s head said the pupil was already self-isolating at home when the school was told of the situation.
Head teacher Lynda Noble said: “As soon as we were alerted that a case had links with our school we very quickly worked with public health colleagues to implement targeted testing at the school.
“I would like to reassure parents and carers that the pupil was already self-isolating at home when we were alerted to this situation.
“I am proud of my colleagues, parents, carers and pupils who have really embraced what they needed to do to protect themselves and others in the school and the wider community.”
But parents said they’d been left “worried”.
Many were either queuing near the school or waiting in cars for the school run yesterday.
Former nurse Shinade Severn, 31, of West Bridgford, said: “I am seriously concerned – they do not have the staggered times any more. Children from different years are mixing. It is ridiculous.”
She was dropping off her two daughters. and added: “I feel like I have been put at risk. I had the virus in August and it is only now that I am feeling fully recovered.
“However, I do not know how my children would react to that because they have not had it yet.”
It is still unclear what threat the Omicron variant poses, but the World Health Organisation has labelled it a “variant of concern”.
The first two UK cases of the variant were discovered over the weekend – one in Nottingham, the other in Essex.
Another parent added that he was simply “baffled”.
Self-employed Sanan Cameron, who was dropping off his child yesterday morning, said: “I am a bit worried. We just do not know what to do now. My father-in-law lives in America and we do not know if we can visit him any more.”
The 41-year-old added: “I am just baffled – this school and this town out of all the places.”
A pupil’s grandmother was also worried.
Christine Greenfield said: “I have not heard about it until now – but it is definitely worrying because we do not know much about the new variant.”
However, some parents praised the school for “keeping on top of it”.
Self-employed David Lucas, of Wilford, said: “I think that the school and headteacher have done a brilliant job. They did everything they could to keep everyone safe. They kept on top of it.”
The 43-yearold said: “At the end of the day, they had to follow the Government guidelines, they did not have a choice. And I hope that other schools will be able to do the same as quickly as they did if it happens again.”
Another pupil’s father, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “I do not think that any other school would have been as prompt as they have. The head teacher has been brilliant at reassuring children’s safety.”
Mr Gribbin said: “As part of routine investigations into a single confirmed case of the Omicron variant in Nottingham we have undertaken some targeted testing at Heymann Primary School, due to a link between a pupil and the confirmed case.
“The information we gather from this testing will assist us in understanding the extent of any spread of the Omicron variant.
“Anyone receiving a positive result will be given advice in line with Government guidance.
“I wish to thank the head teacher, staff and parents and carers whose co-operation in this has been outstanding.
“It is another fantastic example of people in Nottinghamshire pulling together quickly to keep people safe.
“Following the example of pupils, parents and carers and staff at Heymann Primary School, I am urging everyone in Nottinghamshire to play their part.
“It is more important than ever that people book themselves a booster vaccination as soon as they become eligible. “Those who wish to receive their first or second dose can still do so. “Anyone experiencing a new continuous cough, fever or change in taste/ smell should get a PCR test immediately and isolate until they receive the result - even if they have mild symptoms. “Except for people with a valid exception, face covering must be worn in shops and on public transport. We can all reduce the risk of infection through frequent handwashing and by ensuring that indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air.”
I am seriously concerned. Children from different years are mixing. It is ridiculous
Shinade Severn