Coronavirus (Covid 19) Response

September 2023 Update

Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, or a positive test result for COVID-19.

As we commence a new school year here is a reminder of current government guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, or a positive test result for COVID-19:

- Symptoms of respiratory infections, including COVID-19:

Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:

• continuous cough

• high temperature, fever or chills

• loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

• shortness of breath

• unexplained tiredness, lack of energy

• muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise

• not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry

• headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual

• sore throat, stuffy or runny nose

• diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

Since March 2022 when the final Covid restrictions were lifted the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised that COVID-19 should be managed like other respiratory infections, such as flu.

COVID-19 presents a low risk to children and young people. This, combined with high vaccination rates in the population, means there are no longer specific rules relating to COVID-19 in schools, colleges, childcare and other education settings.

For children and young people aged 18 and under who test positive for COVID-19, the advice is to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults.