Thank you all so much for playing your part and helping to keep case rates of Covid-19 low in Hertfordshire. During half-term, and as restrictions ease more generally, it’s more important than ever that we follow current guidance to help keep each other safe and our nurseries, schools and colleges free from outbreaks.

Please do not send children back into education if they are sick or feel unwell. If you or children have symptoms you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Reminder of some of the latest guidance from 17 May:

• 6 people, or two households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible) can now meet indoors and up to 30 people can gather outside
• If you are meeting with family and friends, the government is asking that you personally consider the risks associated with COVID-19 when deciding on things like wearing face coverings and social distancing for both you and your children
• Restaurants, pubs and cafes can reopen and so can indoor entertainment and attractions such as cinemas, bowling alleys, museums and children’s indoor play areas. All of these services will have COVID-secure measures in place, please encourage your children to follow the rules when out and about

Travelling within the UK

If you do go away, you should aim to do so safely. For instance, one of our close neighbours, Bedford, has a high number of cases and people are being advised to avoid travelling in and out of the area unless it is essential (for work or education).

You can find the latest travel guidance for England and the rest of the UK at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#travelling-within-the-uk-the-republic-of-ireland-and-the-channel-islands

Travelling internationally from England

There are no longer any restrictions on leaving England to travel internationally, however to protect public health in the UK and the vaccine rollout, you should not travel to countries or territories on the red or amber lists.

If you do need to travel to an Amber destination for an emergency, you must update any setting attended by your child(ren) and;

• All family members who have travelled must quarantine for 10 days at home upon their return and can only leave home to take a test
• Paid for PCR tests must be completed by all those who have travelled aged 4 and above on day 2 and again on day 8 following your return
• Please do not send children back to nursery, school or college without completing the mandatory quarantine period

Testing at home with Lateral Flow Devices (rapid tests)

During half-term you should continue to encourage children in year 7 and above to test and report their results as they have been in term time.

We would be grateful if you could ensure that children in year 7 and above take a rapid test on Sunday 6 June ahead of their return to school. Should they receive a positive result they must begin self-isolating immediately and book a confirmatory PCR test. Any student with symptoms of Covid-19 or feeling unwell should take a PCR test immediately and not attend school.

Parents and carers of children of school age are also encouraged to take regular rapid tests. You can find your nearest collection site or order online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest.

Please only complete rapid tests on children in year 7 and above.

Support for families

 This is a challenging time for everyone, and we want you know that help and support is available for anyone who needs it in Hertfordshire. HertsHelp can provide free, confidential advice and practical help for things like food, essential bills and emotional support. Call 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit www.hertshelp.net

 

We hope you enjoy half-term and remember – hands, face, space, fresh air and test. These key things will help to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Hertfordshire County Council