Dear Parent/Guardian,
On Thursday 9th September, the Minister of Education wrote to the Principals of all schools about the revised arrangements for the identification of close contacts in schools.
"Since schools returned for the new school year the high community prevalence of COVID-19 has led to large numbers of COVID cases being reported to schools, with very large numbers of children being identified as school close contacts. This has caused disruption in schools, with large numbers of children missing school, pressure on school leaders and a high volume of calls to PHA leading to delays in response within the current operating model. Clearly this position is not tenable, and I have engaged closely with the Minister of Health since schools returned to examine how we could act to ease burdens on schools, and importantly keep as many pupils as possible in school safely. PHA are making operational changes which will have positive impacts on both the numbers of children being asked to self-isolate, and the burdens on school leaders.”
The revised approach will:
- Replace the current school-led process to identify close contacts of COVID cases with a more targeted PHA led approach, easing the significant burdens on school leaders.
- PHA contact tracing service will be identifying and asking the very closest contacts, for example very close friends, to isolate and get a test. Other contacts in school, such as those in the same class or who sit near the
case, will not routinely be asked to isolate and book a test.
- School leaders will no longer be required to respond to every case by identifying contacts. PHA will undertake the work and will only contact the school Principal for assistance in limited circumstances.
- A “warn and inform” letter will be made available which schools may wish to use to inform parents of cases in the school and to remind everyone of the steps we should all be taking to reduce the risk of COVID transmission
in school and beyond.
- Parents will be asked to inform the school if their child tests positive which could be part of normal school absence reporting.
- Detailed PHA guidance for schools will be prepared to support the revised approach.
Please find attached an important letter from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael Mc Bride, related to the revised arrangements for the identification of close contacts in schools.
Kind Regards,
Louise Quinn
