A new ‘Somerset Covid Checker’ launches this week to support parents in knowing what actions to take if their child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms.
Somerset’s Coronavirus Engagement Board launched the new ‘Covid Checker’ to help parents know what to do if their child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms, tests positive, someone in their household displays symptoms or a household member tests positive.
This comes after Somerset sees an increase in Coronavirus cases over the last fortnight (69 new cases), including four children testing positive at two schools and one early years setting.
The schools and nursery involved are following Public Health England guidance, have deep cleaned all areas and have asked children and staff who came into close contact with the positive cases to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
This means the following will be self-isolating following discussions with Public Health England.
- 220 Year 7 pupils and 195 year 11 pupils at Bishop Fox’s (with no epidemiological link between the two children who tested positive).
- 61 Year 6 pupils at Parkfield and 7 staff.
- All children and staff at Mama Bear’s Nursery
Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council said: “As cases of Coronavirus increase nationally and across Somerset, it’s incredibly important we all know what to do if we start to show symptoms. This ‘Covid Checker’ is a great way for parents to know what action to take if their child starts to display symptoms
“Firstly, it’s important that you and your household self-isolate and book a test if anyone shows symptoms. Please do not have a test unless you have symptoms and if you can’t get a local test slot, please keep trying online or phoning 119 as local slots do become available throughout the day.
“Secondly, it’s important you continue to self-isolate from the moment you display symptoms until you have the test result – and if it’s positive, you need to continue self-isolating for ten days from the start of your symptoms, and the rest of your household 14 days. Only if it’s a negative test result or your self-isolation time is complete can your child return to school.
“Please remember that until there is a vaccine, the only way we have to stop this virus spreading is to think ‘Hands, Face and Space’. Wash your hands with soap and water often and at least 20 seconds, wear a face covering if you can and please keep your distance from others.”
The Checker is attached and you can download it from our online article here.
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.
If you need any Coronavirus related support or advice, phone the Somerset Coronavirus helpline on 0300 790 6275, available seven days a week.
