Ballymoney Model Integrated Primary School

School principals received an email from the Department of Education today which included a letter from Peter Weir, Minister of Education and COVID-19 advice. The information noted that at present schools will continue to stay open.

The correspondence highlights the new guidance for self-isolation. The main implication of these changes is the requirement for anyone who displays specific symptoms to self-isolate, even if they haven't travelled from an affected area. People who have travelled from affected areas and those who have been in close contact with a positive case should also follow the same guidance.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature. Health related information on COVID-19 can be found on:-
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

Within school we will continue to promote good handwashing, for at least 20 seconds, before and after activities, such as meal times, break times and sporting activities. Cleaning staff are also following guidance from EA on specific cleaning tasks to help reduce the spread of any infection.

Parents, please note that children should be kept at home if they are unwell with a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature to avoid spreading infection to others. If a pupil/s becomes unwell at school with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature parents will be contacted to collect their child/ren from school. Parents are advised to follow the home isolation advice on the PHA website.

When we return to school on Wednesday we will review current activities and change/cancel as necessary. School teachers will start to prepare a work schedule for pupils for a potential future closure. If parents chose to self-isolate their child/ren we will endeavour to provide an overview of activities. These will be available hopefully from next week.

We will update parents if any new advice is received.

Mrs Jamison