28^th November 2021

Dear Parent/ Carer,

A new COVID-19 variant of concern has been identified in the UK amidst high local infection rates. Concerns are that the new variant, called Omicron, can spread more quickly and may be more likely to cause reinfections of COVID-19.  It is essential we act now to stop infections spreading in our homes, schools and communities.

From today the Department for Education states, face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all settings by staff and visitors, unless they are exempt. 

Parents and carers, staff and visitors should wear face coverings both inside and around school premises where social distancing cannot be maintained such as pick up and drop off times.  This guidance is further to the Liverpool Health Protection Board recommendations issued in October 2021.

Testing

In order to reduce any further impact on schools leading into Christmas, it is essential that eligible household members continue to test weekly using the lateral flow devices which can be accessed here. Testing helps identify cases early, and therefore reduces the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading within schools.  Please report the results on the government website.

Vaccination

We must do everything we can to reduce both the current variants and any new variants from spreading through schools.  All eligible adults and students aged 12 and over are strongly encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine, including boosters.

Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. There has been some coverage in the media suggesting that the Omicron variant may be less responsive to the vaccine.  The evidence on this is still emerging, but even if the vaccine is less responsive it will still help to protect young people and adults, and benefit those around them. Vaccination makes people less likely to catch the virus and less likely to pass it on.  To book a vaccine please click here.

Contact tracing and the Omicron Variant

All individuals who have been identified as a close contact of a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status and age, will be contacted directly by NHS Test and Trace and required to self-isolate immediately and asked to book a PCR test. 

We appreciate everything you are doing to help us with this and thank you once again for your continued support.

Yours Sincerely

Matt Ashton

Director of Public Health

Steve Reddy

Director of Children’s Service