Posted on Monday 24th May 2021
Year 13 pupils at a secondary school in Lichfield are being asked to get a precautionary Covid-19 test, after cases of the Variant of Concern first identified in India were found.
One case has been confirmed at the The Friary School, while a further two are deemed likely to have the variant. The cases have self-isolated, and close contacts in school have also been isolating in line with government guidelines.
With 6th Form students due to finish school on Wednesday, all Year 13 pupils have been asked by Staffordshire County Council and Public Health England to get a precautionary PCR test to check there are no additional cases of Covid-19.
There are no plans for wider testing at this stage, and these cases are not linked to the cases identified at two primary schools elsewhere in the city.
All affected families have been informed and there are no plans for wider testing at this stage.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director for Health and Care said:
“Cases of this particular variant of Covid-19 are on the rise elsewhere nationally, so it’s not really a surprise that we are seeing more incidents in Staffordshire.
“With 6th Form students at The Friary finishing their studies on Wednesday, it is sensible to ensure there are no further cases of Covid-19 in this particular group, which is why we have asked all students to get a precautionary PCR test. These tests will allow us to discover any further cases, isolate them quickly, and prevent any spread.
“We have no concerns of ongoing community transmission of this particular variant, but we have to remain vigilant. It just emphasises the important of getting tested twice a week, taking up the offer of a vaccination when eligible, and stick to the rules around social distancing and face coverings.”
All affected families have been contacted and there is no need for anyone else in the school or wider community to take any additional action.