New restrictions recommended in local schools
The advice – which includes increased social distancing and more mask wearing in schools – comes as three Cambridgeshire districts feature in the table of those with the fastest rising Covid-19 rates of all 333 English local authority areas.
East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Fenland all feature in the top 20 list of areas where infection rates are rising most quickly - with all three areas showing higher rates of infections than both the East of England and England averages to September 28.
Only Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire are currently below the regional or England average. Peterborough also continues to have high rates.
But recently a slight increase has also been seen in the older age groups as infections start to spread into families.
The position is being reviewed on a daily basis and all schools should continue to do twice weekly testing. The additional measures will be withdrawn if the position with cases improves.
This advice covers the next three weeks until half term and includes:
- Secondary schools to reintroduce face coverings in communal spaces, but not in classrooms. Primary school staff may wish to consider the same arrangements
- Social distancing for staff within school buildings, including in shared spaces such as staff rooms. It is also recommended that staff meetings are held virtually if possible
- All visitors to schools must wear face coverings in school buildings
- All non-essential events where parents visit schools are moved to virtual
- Secondary schools should promote and monitor uptake of twice weekly LFD testing and Covid-19 vaccinations for all staff and pupils. Primary school staff should also be doing this and staff need to be reminded of its importance.
Covid-19 and flu vaccination roll out
The vaccination programme for 12 to 15-year-olds has now begun in local schools.
Alternative provision will be arranged for children who are home schooled, in secure services or in specialist mental health settings.
Your child's school will contact you when the vaccination team are due to visit their school.
Please make sure you complete and return any consent forms ASAP.
If you haven't received information about this, please check with the school.
Let's stay safe this winter!
