A teaching union has said that ministers should consider reintroducing the need for pupils to isolate after coming into close contact with Covid in the event of “rising case numbers” in England.
Towards the end of the summer term, education secretary Gavin Williamson announced plans to do away with “bubbles”, self-isolation, masks and contact tracing in schools as part of a strategy to cut the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Previously, pupils had to self-isolate for 10 days if they were identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for Covid.
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But the rules changed on 16 August, with pupils identified as Covid contacts now asked to take a PCR test while continuing to attend school.
Today, the NASUWT teachers’ union has said that ministers should consider reintroducing stricter isolation rules “in the event of rising case numbers”.
Government ‘should look at reintroducing pupil isolation if Covid cases rise’
Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: “Ministers must not risk complacency or follow a strategy of crossing their fingers and hoping for the best if the number of Covid cases rises following school reopening.
“We only need to look across the border to Scotland to see that there has been a steep increase in Covid cases among school-age pupils within just a couple of weeks.
“In the event of rising case numbers, ministers will need to consider the reintroduction of the requirement for pupils to self-isolate when they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
“This should be supported by an extended programme of on-site testing in schools, rather than relying on a less effective system of home testing.”
Dr Roach added: “Schools will also want confirmation of the timetable for the rollout of already-promised CO2 monitors into schools to assist them in ensuring good ventilation.
“There is no reason for further disruption to pupils’ education, where sensible and proportionate measures are taken to support the already tremendous efforts being taken by schools and staff.”
