A whole year group has been told to stay home and self-isolate after a fellow pupil tested positive for Covid-19.

The whole of year eleven at The Billericay School, on School Road, has now been told to quarantantine for 14 days, with their return date marked for October 8.

Lessons are set to resume as normal tomorrow via Google Clasroom, and providing students are well at the end of this period, they can return back to school premises. 

It's believed all other year groups are to go in tomorrow as normal.

In an email home to year eleven parents, a spokesperson from The Billericay School, said: "We have been advised that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

"We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child has been in close contact with the affected child.

"In line with the national guidance, we recommend that your child now stay at home and self-isolate until 8 October 2020.

"We will commence with provision of work for each subject from class teachers via the Google Classroom platform from Thursday 24 September.

"Please ensure that your child has joined their Google Classroom for each subject.

"We are asking you to do this to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 to others in the community.

"If your child is well at the end of the 14 days period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.

"Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 14 day self-isolation period."

What advice do Public Health England give?

If your child develops symptoms of Covid-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least ten days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your support bubble.

The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are recent onset of:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

How to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting the virus

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards