PH Close Contact Letter (parents) (20.12.20) (last contact - 11.12.20)

Health Protection Team
Public Health Department
Afton House
Ailsa Hospital
Dalmellington Road
Ayr
KA6 6AB

Medical In Confidence Date 13 December 2020
Enquiries to Health Protection Team
Parents / Guardians of children attending Direct line 01292 885858
Blacklands Primary School Email [email protected]

Dear Parent / Guardian

Close Contact of a Confirmed Case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection

Your child has been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case of Coronavirus
(COVID-19) infection. This means they have been sitting, standing or mixing within two
metres of the person for more than 15 minutes.

We realise that this is not something you expected to be told today, please don’t worry.
The most important thing you need to do now is make sure your child self-isolates
at home immediately.

The NHS Ayrshire & Arran Test and Protect Team will contact you and explain everything,
including the full details of your child’s self-isolation period. The 14 days self-isolation
period begins from the time that your child was in close contact with the confirmed case at
school.

Your estimated child’s isolation period is until Sunday 20 December 2020 (inclusive). This
means that the return to school date will be Monday 21 December 2020.

However, the Test and Protect Team will confirm with you the definitive date that your
child’s isolation period will end and the date on which your child can return to
school.

Please note that it is only your child who needs to self-isolate at home. However, one
adult should take a lead role self-isolating with your child during the self-isolation period.
National guidance is that other household members do not need to isolate unless your
child develops symptoms.

You can find more information on NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-
conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

Your child should not need a test unless they develop any symptoms of Coronavirus
(COVID-19). If this happens, they should self-isolate immediately and contact NHS 24 on
111 or via their website https://www.nhsinform.scot/ to book a test.

These symptoms are:
• new cough;
• high temperature (37.8 or above);
• and / or loss of taste and smell.

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We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to reassure you that
we are doing everything we can to support and protect pupils, their families and staff.

It is important to note that anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed
COVID-19 case will still need to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result of
any test.

Everyone in Ayrshire and Arran is reminded to remember the FACTS guidance:
F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses,
trains and taxis)
A – Avoid crowded places.
C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.
T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.

Yours sincerely

Dr Joy Tomlinson Mrs Lynne McNiven
Interim Director of Public Health Interim Director of Public Health
(Joint) (Joint)

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