PHA Letter

Health Protection Duty Room
Public Health Agency
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BS
Website:- www.publichealth.hscni.net
15/11/2021
ADDITIONAL PCR TESTING AS PART OF COVID-19 CLUSTER INVESTIGATION
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Public Health Agency has been notified of a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St Marys Dechomet school community. We are working closely with the school principal and management team to review all the cases and undertake a risk assessment in the school. All those who were high risk close contacts of the cases have been identified, advised to self-isolate and get a PCR test.
Even though the school has a range of other measures in place to reduce transmission, we are investigating the cluster to reduce the risk of further spread. To help with this we would like to find out if other students might also be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We are asking pupils in P2/3 class at St Marys Dechomet school to undertake a PCR COVID test even if they do not have symptoms.
While waiting for the result of the PCR test, your child should remain at home. This will also allow the school the opportunity for any additional cleaning measures required. If the PCR test is negative, your child can return to school. If the result is positive, this means they have the infection and they should self-isolate for 10 days, in line with advice for confirmed cases. Please see Coronavirus (COVID-19): self-isolating | nidirect for guidance on whether other people in your household also need to self-isolate if the PCR result is positive.

The test
The test will involve taking a nose and throat swab, which is done by gently rubbing a soft cotton swab on the tonsils and up one nostril. This is a self-test although younger children will need help carrying out the test. Instructions will be provided. However, we would recommend that you visit the PHA website for detailed instructions and a video showing how to do the test.
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/testing-and-tracing-covid-19/testing-covid-19
How to book a test
You can book a test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by phoning 119. When you are booking the PCR test online, under the section ‘why are you asking for a test’, please select ‘I have been told by contact tracers to get a test.’ When asked for a code, please enter 5033011J. We are asking you to enter the code as it helps us monitor and assess COVID clusters when they occur. While you should still be able to book a test even if you do not enter the code, it helps us if you do.
PCR tests can be arranged at your closest testing site or by requesting a postal kit which will be sent to your home address. You can choose whichever option is more convenient for you. Going for a COVID test is one of the few permitted reasons your child can leave home during the self-isolation period, however, they should not use public transport. Please order a postal test if you do not have private transport to a test site.
Results
Results will be sent to you by text or email. This usually happens within 48 hours of the test being taken.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of:
ï‚· new continuous cough and/or
ï‚· high temperature and/or
ï‚· a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
If you child appears to have the above symptoms, then please book a free PCR test, even if an earlier one was negative. Your child should stay at home and self-isolate until you receive the result. Please see Coronavirus (COVID-19): self-isolating | nidirect for guidance on whether other people in your household also need to self-isolate while you are waiting for your child’s PCR result.
Always get a PCR test if you or your child have symptoms. Lateral Flow Device tests should not be used in this situation as you may still have COVID-19 even if you have a negative LFD result.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:
ï‚· Please get vaccinated if you or your child are eligible and haven’t already done so;
ï‚· Take part in regular lateral flow testing if this is offered to you or your child;
ï‚· Keep rooms well ventilated;
ï‚· Self-isolate and book a PCR test when you have symptoms or have been advised to by Contact Tracing;
ï‚· Follow the current advice on face coverings and physical distancing;
ï‚· Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds – and use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available;
ï‚· Wash your hands as soon as you get home;
ï‚· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
Further information
For further information, please see the NI Direct website Coronavirus (COVID-19): self-isolating | nidirect the Public Health Agency website https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus or contact NHS 111. If your child feels unwell and you are worried about their symptoms or about anyone else in the home, please contact your GP.
Yours sincerely
Dr Stephen Bergin
Director of Public Health (Interim)