COVID 19

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (COVID-19).   This helps stop the virus spreading to other people.

It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace. You could be fined if you do not self-isolate.

When to self-isolate?

Self-isolate straight away and get a PCR test (a test that is sent to the lab) on GOV.UK as soon as possible if you have any of these 3 symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You should also self-isolate straight away if:

  • you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 – this means you have the virus
  • someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive (unless you are not required to self-isolate – check below if this applies to you)
  • you’ve been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive – find out what to do if you’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app

Please inform school on 01642 835370 if your child has tested positive for COVID or someone in your household has tested positive.   

When you do not need to self-isolate

If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:

  • you’re fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
  • you’re under 18 years, 6 months old
  • you’re taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
  • you’re not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Even if you do not have symptoms, you should still:

  • get a PCR test on GOV.UK to check if you have COVID-19
  • follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
  • consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19
  • tell people you’ve been in close contact with that you have symptoms
  • tell people you’ve been in close contact with in the past 48 hours that you might have COVID-19.

They do not need to self-isolate unless they’re contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

If they get any symptoms of COVID-19, they should self-isolate and get a test as soon as possible.