Notice: 9 July 2021
Special Education Notice
Recommendation to reintroduce useof face coverings in secondary schools and further education colleges until 19 July 2021.
Following a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in young people across the borough this week, Telford & Wrekin on the advice of the local Director of Public Health, have recommended that secondary schools and further education (FE) colleges consider reintroducing face coverings for staff and pupils in Year 7 upwards in classrooms and in communal areas. This should start as soon as possible and last until the 19 July , from which point COVID-19 guidance changes.
There have been a total of 125 new cases of COVID-19 in the most recent seven days in the 10-19 year old age group and our local rate is now 567 per 100,000 in the 10-19 year old age group. This is the highest rate out of all age groups. This compares with a rate of 77 per 100,000 last month and a peak of 499 per 100,000 in January 2021 for the same 10-19 year age group.
The increase in rates has been caused by the Delta strain which spreads very quickly and has resulted in some schools having to send bubbles home and put in place on-line teaching.
Until the 19 July 2021 existing COVID-19 guidance applies and therefore to minimise infection and minimise the need for pupils to self-isolate we are asking secondary schools and FE colleges to take this step.
Where schools and settings follow this advice, we ask that you communicate as soon as possible with your staff, pupils and parents to let them know.
Director of Public Health at Telford explained:
“For the last few weeks of this school term Telford & Wrekin is working closely with our school leaders to reduce the disruption that the Delta variant is causing to children’s education.
“As more adults from 18 upwards get vaccinated and more have two doses, the situation will improve, as we know the vaccine is working well. However, I have recommended secondary schools and FE colleges consider reintroducing face coverings for pupils in Year 7 upwards in lessons and in communal areas (e.g. corridors) as a short-term measure until the end of the summer term.
“Alongside these measures we need all secondary aged pupils and those in post 16 provision and their family members to keep up twice weekly-testing. Most importantly, I’d encourage everyone to get two doses of vaccination through the the many sites across the borough."
Vaccinations are available by booking, or by using one of the local walk-in clinics (where booking is not necessary):