Contact tracing arrangements for schools ‘creating confusion’, warns union
COVID tracing processes in schools are creating confusion and increasing risk because not every pupil identified as a close contact is being asked to self-isolate and take a PCR test, according to Scotland’s largest teaching union.
The warning from the EIS comes as the latest figures show a sharp increase in positivity rates among children and young people.
It also follows a change in Covid mitigation measures covering fiveto 17-year-olds, with close contacts able to end self-isolation as long as they obtain a negative PCR result.
However, the new requirement will not apply to all contacts.
Those considered to be “higher risk” due to unusually close or prolonged exposure – for example, through sharing accommodation during a school trip – can expect to receive individualised messages about testing and self-isolation. “Business as usual” interactions in settings where relevant mitigations are being followed, such as a classroom, will not necessarily result in a requirement to self-isolate and take a PCR test.
Instead, it is expected lower risk contacts at school will be provided with a “warn and inform” letter that sets out advice on key precautions to take.
EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan criticised the changes, saying his union believed they were “creating confusion”.
“We wish to see all pupils identified as close contacts being required to get a clear PCR test before returning to class,” he added. “This removes the 10-day selfisolation requirement but offers a quick reassurance to school communities and will reduce the risk of in-school transmission.
“We also support the Scottish Government position of wishing to see all secondary pupils offered the possibility of vaccination, which will help minimise disruption to education.”
The EIS also said the latest Covid infection figures, which show test positivity in the two to 17 age group at nearly 20 per cent, were cause for concern and highlighted the importance of continued caution.
Education Secretary Shirley-anne Somerville said: “Test and Protect has implemented revised guidance for under 18s. We operate a targeted approach that identifies children and young people who are higher risk close contacts, so that they can be asked to self-isolate until a negative PCR test is received.
“Other potential lower risk contacts in the school environment should be provided with a ‘warn and inform’ letter, setting out advice on regular testing and other important precautions.
“This means that fewer young people will have to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period.
“Our revised approach reflects the significant changes in the public health impact of Covid achieved through high vaccination coverage, as well as evidence about the risks of infection and transmission amongst children, young people and staff in schools.”