Monday 7^th December 2020

Dear Parent/Carer

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately there have been further new cases of Coronavirus at YBC.

Further members of the school community have been contacted by the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect Service this week to inform them that they have tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). The school were informed of this and have taken the following steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff;

• Liaison with National Health Protection Cell of Public Health Wales to investigate and manage these incidents of Coronavirus in the school
• Enhanced cleaning regimes including the use of an aerosol-cleaning machine
• Communication of advice and guidance to pupils and staff including advising close contacts of the positive cases to self-isolate for a period of 14 days

It is important that Parents/Carers remain vigilant and continue to follow advice from Public Health Wales;

The school has been coordinating the response to the situation which has understandably caused high levels of concern at a time when we are trying to maintain a continuity of learning for our pupils.

School staff have been in direct contact with Parents/Carers of those pupils who are directly affected and will be accessing a remote learning package.

We appreciate that the situation may cause inconvenience however we can assure you that we will continue to work tirelessly to try and maintain learning opportunities both in school and at home wherever possible for your children.

I hope that you and your family can continue to support each other and the school through these difficult times.

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs Helen Ridout

Date: 7^th December 2020

Dear Parent or Carer,

Re:         Information regarding confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ysgol Bryn Castell

NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect has been informed of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ysgol Bryn Castell. 

Ysgol Bryn Castell remains open. It is working closely with Public Health Wales, the Local Authority and NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to ensure that all the appropriate measures are in place to protect students, staff and the wider community. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and to provide advice on how to support your child.

All close contacts of the cases have been identified and have received appropriate advice to self-isolate. Your child has not been identified as a close contact and therefore does not need to self-isolate and does not require testing for COVID-19. They can continue to attend Ysgol Bryn Castell as usual.

However, as a precaution, please be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19:

• A new or continuous cough
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

If your child develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild:

• Book a test for them by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

• Inform Ysgol Bryn Castell that they are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
• Your child should self-isolate for 10 days from when their symptoms started
• All other household members should isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms
• Do not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital but if you require medical advice please contact NHS 111 or telephone your GP; if there is a medical emergency phone 999
• Please follow the advice provided when your child receives their test result

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in your family can do to help. These include:

• washing hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• washing hands as soon as they get home
• covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze
• putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards

Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing

Further formation on Test, Trace, Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

For general information on COVID-19 https://gov.wales/protect-yourself-others-coronavirus 

The COVID-19 online symptom checker can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do https://gov.wales/check-if-you-need-coronavirus-medical-help 

With best wishes,

On behalf of Public Health Wales Health Protection Team