Covid contingency framework for schools updated

The government has updated its contingency framework for schools for the autumn term to include new Covid case thresholds when extra controls could be put in place.

The first suggested threshold is if five pupils or staff likely to have mixed closely test positive for Covid within a 10-day period.

The second is if 10 per cent of pupils or staff who are likely to have mixed closely test positive within 10 days.

For special schools, residential settings, and settings that operate with 20 or fewer children, pupils, students and staff at any one time, the threshold is for 2 children, pupils, students and staff, who are likely to have mixed closely, test positive for COVID-19 within a 10-day period.

The guidance says the thresholds can be used by settings as an indication for when to seek public health advice if they are concerned, and also states it will make sense for most settings to consider extra action if the number of positive cases substantially increases because it could indicate transmission is happening in the setting.

The guidance states that identifying groups likely to have mixed closely will be “different for each setting”. For schools, they could include form groups or subject classes, friendship groups mixing at breaktime, sports teams and groups in after-school activities.

Once a threshold is reached, actions include reviewing and reinforcing testing, hygiene and ventilation measures already in place.

The guidance also states that settings “may wish to seek additional public health advice if they are concerned about transmission in the setting”, either through the DfE’s helpline or “in line with other local arrangements”.