THE NEW GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS – KEY POINTS

Health and hygiene:

The guidance advises everyone washes their hands on arrival and leaving school, before and after handling food, before and after handling objects and equipment used by others, where there has been any physical contact and after people blow their nose, sneeze or cough.

Handling of objects between individuals, including staff, parents/carers and learners, should be minimised.

Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 should be kept separate until they can be collected and taken home.

Temperature, testing and masks:

Present advice is that it is not necessary to screen temperatures, but this is under review.

It does not state masks must be worn, but refers to Welsh Government guidance this week that masks should be worn where social distancing is not possible.

What happens if there is an outbreak in a school?

“Experts from across the NHS and local government will work together to prevent ongoing transmission within the school. This will involve identifying those exposed.”

PPE:

PPE should not be needed except when close contact is necessary.

Eye protection should also be worn if a risk assessment determines that there is a risk of splashing to the eyes such as from coughing, spitting, or vomiting.

Gloves and aprons should be used when cleaning the areas where a person suspected of having Covid-19 has been.

Gloves and aprons should be used when providing intimate care to a child or young person. This can include personal, hands-on care such as washing, toileting, or first aid and certain clinical procedures such as assisted feeding.

Gloves and aprons should be used when cleaning equipment or surfaces that might be contaminated with fluids such as saliva.

Cleaning:

Buildings must be cleaned regularly. Hard surfaces should be cleaned with warm soapy water or the normal cleaning products used.

Particular attention should be given to clean “high-touch” areas and surfaces.

These areas should be cleaned at least once a day and more frequently in high use areas, including bathrooms, railings, tables, toys, equipment, door handles, push pads, taps and hand sanitiser dispensers.

Rooms should be cleaned when different groups use a room.

All rubbish should be removed daily.

Transport:

Parents and carers should travel with their children to and from school, ideally not in a car.

In any school transport social distancing to be maintained and priority should be given to those who are unable to attend without it.