Exmouth Community College student tests positive for Covid-19

An Exmouth Community College student has tested positive for Covid-19.

In a public post on Facebook, Principal Andrew Davis said the small number of children who had been in close contact with the individual have been contacted and told to self-isolated for 14 days.

He added the school would remain open and all children should continue to attend as normal, if they remained well.

Mr Davis said: "We know that you and your family may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England...

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness.

"As ever we are here to help and so if you have any particular concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

"Please ensure that we have up to date contact details since, as we did today, we may have to potentially contact families during the working day to collect your child to go into self-isolation...

"This situation acts as a timely reminder about the importance of students protecting themselves, their families and our community by ensuring they are following our precautionary measures such as wearing face coverings, sanitising their hands regularly remaining within their own year group areas."

Mr Davis asked parents to remind their children to go straight home at the end of the day with just one friend and not congregate in large groups waiting to be picked up.

He added: "This will help us to minimise the risk of transmission for everyone."

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19:

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged by CLICKING HERE or by calling 119.

Please ensure you notify the relevant attendance team for your child, should this happen, so the school is able to track the virus.

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'.

For further information CLICK HERE.

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.

The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are recent onset of:

- A new continuous cough

- high temperature

- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website HERE.

If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from the NHS by calling 111 or visiting the NHS 111 website HERE.

How to stop Covid-19 spreading:

- Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds

- Using 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

- Putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing your hands afterwards.