North East Lincolnshire schools doing everything to be 'covid safe'

Parents have been reassured that schools are doing everything they can to become Covid-safe for the start of term.

Thousands of Covid tests will be administered at schools and academies across North East Lincolnshire as pupils return in September.

Tollbar Academy, Havelock Academy and Healing Academy are amongst the schools which have announced they will be staggering pupils’ returns as testing is carried out.

Council leader Councillor Philip Jackson has urged both parents and younger people to get the Covid vaccine in order to minimise transmission in schools:

“All schools in the area have carried out robust risk assessments on Covid. They have the benefit of experience from previous terms on minimising the spread of Covid in classrooms.

“North East Lincolnshire Council has worked hard with schools to put Public Health advice in place.

“It is still very important to follow the guidance that has been laid out.

“We know that certain parts of the towns have lower rates of vaccination, and if people are able to get the jab, it will help to stop the spread both in their own families and in schools.”

He also said there had been considerable change since the start of the last school year in September 2020:

“The vaccines have proved very effective, and fewer people are testing positive or becoming seriously ill.

“Those who are needing hospital attention are tending to be younger people who haven’t had both jabs. I still want to emphasise how important it is that younger people get the vaccine.”

Covid rates have fallen in the borough during the summer holidays, and there are fears that the start of the new term may drive them back up again.

The government advises that all secondary pupils are given two on-site lateral flow tests, between three and five days apart, upon returning.

However, schools no longer need to enforce rules on bubbles or social restrictions, and the advice on wearing masks in communal areas has also ended.

Other parts of the school day which were staggered to prevent large groups forming are also likely to return to normal.

16 and 17-year-olds are now also eligible to get vaccinated.

Pupils and staff are advised to continue to test twice weekly at home until the end of September.