COVID-19: changes to isolation periods for school pupils

Given the positive developments in the health situation, changes are being made in schools to the requirement to isolate in the event of a positive test. The changes will apply to schools at all levels following pupils’ return to classes on Monday 21 February. The aim is to reduce the length of school absences and the resulting impact on families, without compromising safety. 

As set out in the attached diagram, two situations are possible: low-risk contacts and high-risk contacts.

• Low-risk contact:

This applies, for example, to classmates of a pupil who tests positive for COVID-19. Such contacts will no longer automatically be required to isolate, provided that they return a negative test. However, if the contact refuses to take a test, they will still need to isolate for 7 days.

In the event of a positive test, the contact will need to isolate for 7 days, unless they do not experience any symptoms within 48 hours of their positive test.

In all cases, scrupulous compliance with barrier measures will be required.

• High-risk contact:

Contacts will be asked to isolate immediately and to take a test. If the contact refuses to take a test, they will need to isolate for 7 days.

• If the test is positive, the contact will need to isolate for 7 days, unless they do not experience any symptoms within 48 hours of their positive test.
• If the test is negative, the contact may return to class but will need to comply with strengthened barrier measures for 12 days and have their temperature taken twice a day.

In addition and, generally speaking, if parents notice that their child has COVID-19 symptoms, they are asked not to send them to school and to consult a doctor, who will advise on the procedure to follow.

The Prince’s Government is adapting measures as the health situation evolves in order to ensure that in-person classes can go ahead as far as possible in all schools, so as to maintain the quality of education.