Kingsway Primary School

Kingsway Primary School

Covid Guidance

Question Information
What is the infection? COVID-19 is a respiratory infection and most people feel better within a few days or weeks of their first symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. For some people, symptoms can last longer.
What are the common symptoms?

If your child, or anyone in your household develops any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 listed below and feels unwell/has a high temperature, government guidance still advises that they stay at home until they feel well and no longer have a temperature.

 

  • continuous cough
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose 
  • high temperature, fever or chills
  • loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
  • shortness of breath, unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
  • muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
  • not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
  • headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
  • diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

 

If you are concerned about your symptoms, or they are worsening, contact 111 or speak to your GP. In an emergency dial 999.
How is the infection spread?

COVID-19 spreads very easily through close contact with people who have the virus. When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small droplets containing the virus. You can catch it by breathing in these droplets or touching surfaces covered in them. You are more likely to catch it indoors and in crowded places. You can still catch or spread COVID-19 if you:

 

  • do not have symptoms
  • are fully vaccinated
  • have had the virus before

 

Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days, but you can be infectious for up to 10 days.

What can be done to prevent

infection?
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19 
  • wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day, especially after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, and before you eat or handle food
  • cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do this
  • regularly clean surfaces you touch often (such as door handles and remote controls) and in shared spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms
  • think about wearing a face covering that fits snugly against your face and has more than one layer if you're in close contact with other people, or in crowded places

If my child has symptoms, can they

attend the setting?

 In most cases, parents and carers will agree with the advice that a child who is unwell and has a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can come back to the setting and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend. It is also important to avoid close contact with anyone who you know is at higher risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. If a child or young person under 18 has a positive COVID-19 test result they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test, if they can. After 3 days, if they feel well and do not have a high temperature, the risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower. If a parent or carer insists on their child attending the setting where they have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, the setting can take the decision to refuse the child if, in their reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect other pupils and staff from possible infection with COVID-19.
Should I contact a GP? If your child experiences prolonged symptoms or you are concerned at all, contact your GP. If you or your child may be vulnerable to infections, are immuno-compromised or you are pregnant please consult with your GP or midwife if you are concerned. You can contact the NHS by calling 111 or if it is an emergency, dial 999.

Where can I find more information

about supporting my child?

Updated information about COVID-19 is available on the government websites:

 

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus and https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/23/what-are-the-latest-rules-around-covid-19-in-schools-colleges-nurseries-and-other-education-settings/

 

It is always important that your child remains hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water.

 

Health A to Z - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

direct link to COVID-19 NHS advice