Due to concerns about the coronavirus infection rate, the Education Minister announced that every school will have two days to plan at the start of the new school term. This means that the new school term in Ceredigion will begin for pupils on Friday, 07 January 2022.

To ensure everyone’s safety, all school staff and secondary school pupils are asked to take lateral flow tests (LFT) three times during the week before returning to school, including Monday 03 January, Wednesday 05 January and Friday morning 07 January.

Staff and secondary school pupils should continue to take lateral flow tests three times a week from then on too after returning to school.

Our priority is to ensure everyone’s safety whilst also maintaining an appropriate education provision for our pupils.

We are very grateful to our school staff for their commitment and hard work, meeting the challenges of the coronavirus and continuing to provide high quality education at the same time, whether in person or remotely. We also thank parents for their support during this challenging time and thank pupils for responding so well to all situations.

Symptoms

With cases rising in the county, no one should attend school if they have any symptoms associated with the coronavirus. They should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test – https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. 

The main symptoms include:

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

Parents should also be aware of other symptoms early on, such as headaches, tiredness and general aches and pains usually associated with the flu.

Careful steps

Remember that we can all take steps that can make a difference to protect each other, our friends, our families and our communities. These include:

  • Get both jabs and, when invited, get your booster.
  • Self-isolate and book a PCR test if you have symptoms.
  • Flow before you go; if you do not have symptoms, take regular lateral flow tests before going out – whether that’s to an event; shopping; visiting friends or family; going to any crowded or busy place or before travelling.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Keep your distance when you can.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Wear a face covering. If you’re in the pub or restaurant, pop your face covering back on if you’re not eating or drinking.
  • You can pick up lateral flow tests for free from pharmacies (no booking needed) or by ordering online for home delivery from GOV.UK.

How we act and the choices we take over the coming days and weeks will determine the number of cases that will be in the county.

Let’s work together to keep Ceredigion safe.

17/12/2021