Wiltshire primary schools facing 'particularly high' Covid rates
The Council's praised education settings for coping so well
Wiltshire's primaries are bearing the brunt when it comes to Covid outbreaks at the moment, according to Wiltshire Council.
They've said that so far this week, 189 education settings have reported cases.
2,899 pupils are affected along with 439 staff.
The authority's thanked schools, nurseries and other educators for the way they've dealt with cases, and say they're 'continuing to work side-by-side' with them, to minimise disruption.
Wiltshire Council's sent schools an updated version of the guidance that's put in place for settings reporting an outbreak of Covid.
That includes:
- Communicating awareness and advice on symptoms, testing, isolation, and close contacts
- Ensure robust infection prevention and control, focussing on touch points and shared equipment
- Consider activities that can move outside, particularly those with students and staff together
- Continue all efforts on testing
- Ensure good ventilation
Rachel Kent, Wiltshire Council Consultant in Public Health, said:
“At this stage of the pandemic, nearly two years in, schools and education settings are very experienced in dealing with COVID-19 as they continue to respond effectively to the daily logistical challenges the virus brings. They have adapted so well to the continuity pressures that occur when pupils and staff get COVID-19 and we thank them once again for everything they’re doing.
“Cases are particularly high in primary school aged children at the moment and we expect the challenges to continue this term."
Wiltshire Council is also asking parents and guardians for their support for education settings at this time:
“We know it can be a frustrating and worrying time for families when their children have to self-isolate or additional measures are introduced that impacts school life and their education. But now more than ever, those who work at these settings, and the public health professionals working with them, need the support of the entire school community as it can’t be over-emphasised how challenging it is to manage a nursery, school or college amid an ongoing pandemic."