COVID-19 Guidance

Updated entry requirements for the Turks and Caicos Islands

Effective May 1st 2022, there will be new entry requirements for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Visitors and residents will no longer be required to;

  • Apply for Travel Authorisation
  • Provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival
  • Complete a health screening questionnaire
  • Present evidence of travel insurance which covers COVID-19 medical costs and full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance.
  • Wear masks/face coverings

Visitors are however, fully responsible for the cost of quarantine/isolation, hospitalization or medical repatriation in the event they test positive during their stay.

All visitors over the age of 18 years must be fully vaccinated as defined below:

What does fully-vaccinated mean?

Fully-vaccinated means 14 days after receiving the second dose of any World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine course (or 14 days after the first dose if a single dose course such as the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine). The list of WHO approved vaccines includes the following:

  • Moderna (mRNA-1273) - Spikevax
  • Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) - Comirnaty
  • Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
  • Oxford/AstraZeneca (AZD1222) - Vaxzevria
  • Serum Institute of India Covishield (Oxford/AstraZeneca formulation)
  • Serum Institute of India COVOVAX (Novavax formulation)
  • Bharat Biotech/Covaxin
  • Sinopharm (Beijing) Covilo
  • Sinovac CoronaVac
  • Novavax Nuvaxovid
  • CanSino Convidecia

You must have received your final dose of an approved vaccine course at least 14 days prior to arrival or entry will be denied.

Proof of Vaccination

Proof of vaccination is either a digital or paper record which must be presented on arrival. Acceptable forms are:

  • E-certificate/digital certificate (such as those from CVS, Walgreens, or the NHS).
  • Certification issued by a doctor or government entity.
  • Vaccination cards/certificates accepted by national authorities.
  • A letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse) on official letterhead with contact details. Doctor's registration or license number should be included with details of the first and second dose (date, country and vaccine you received).
  • Authorized government entity record or printed record from an electronic vaccination database.

Exemptions to Mandatory Vaccination

The following persons are exempt from requiring a COVID-19 vaccine:

Please note that there are no exemptions to the vaccination requirement for religious reasons.

Unvaccinated returning residents

Residents who have not received both doses of the vaccine as outlined above are still required to undergo quarantine for a period of seven days on arrival. A negative test is required at the end of quarantine for release. If the test is positive, the individual must isolate in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines (https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/guidance/1581-guidance-for-persons-who-test-positive-for-covid-19).

For further information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/.

Guidelines for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated returning residents effective 1st May 2022

The TCIG has recently updated its entry requirements for travelers entering the TCI during the COVID-19 pandemic. The requirements for entry to the TCI have been revised to take effect from 1st May 2022, however the requirement for all visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 remains.

Residents who have been fully vaccinated locally, who are travelling with unvaccinated minors are not subject to quarantine, however, testing within two days of arrival is recommended for minors at Ministry of Health testing sites or any approved health care facilities.

Partially Vaccinated/Unvaccinated Residents:

All unvaccinated and partially vaccinated residents above the age of 2 years returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands on arrival, they will be required to quarantine themselves and their household for a period of seven days and undergo a mandatory test (that must be negative) prior to being released. If the test is positive, the quarantine period will be extended in accordance with Guidance for persons who test positive guidelines.

Meaning of “fully vaccinated”

A person is considered to be “fully vaccinated”—

(a) two weeks [following receipt] of the second dose in a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine series; or

(b) two weeks [following receipt] of one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.  

To be considered “fully vaccinated”, the person must have taken the COVID-19 vaccine in the Islands.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, if an applicable public health authority (WHO, CDC, MHRS) announces a different meaning of “Fully Vaccinated”, that definition will take precedence.

Partially Vaccinated: An individual is considered partially vaccinated if the individual has not yet received all the required doses of a Covid-19 vaccine (see definition for Fully Vaccinated above), OR if they received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine required to be considered Fully Vaccinated less than 14 calendar days ago.

Un-Vaccinated: An individual is considered unvaccinated if they have not received any dose of a MOH approved vaccine.

For those individuals who test positive at the end of travel quarantine, the advice is as follows;

Self-isolation

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate as outlined below. The time period is to be calculated from date of sample collection or onset of symptoms.

An isolation period of at least 5 days is recommended*. It is recommended that household contacts of these individuals monitor themselves closely for symptoms and use all available precautions (outlined above).

*Persons with persistent symptoms or underlying conditions are at an increased risk of transmitting the virus and may be recommended to extend their isolation period. This should be evaluated and determined by the treating physician on a case-by-case basis. These individuals are strongly encouraged to maintain wearing of   a face mask; especially when around others and get vaccinated or boosted when eligible.

Further detailed guidance can be located on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/guidance/1581-guidance-for-persons-who-test-positive-for-covid-19.

End of quarantine testing for COVID-19 can be undertaken with MOH testing sites or at any approved health care facility. Self-tests are not acceptable for these purposes.

Guidance for persons who test positive for COVID-19

Introduction  

The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoH) and by extension the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has adjusted public health measures in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, the TCI has made significant gains towards herd immunity; there have been multiple waves of COVID-19 of varying magnitudes (attributed to multiple strains of COVID-19), coupled by an impressive vaccination coverage rate.

The overarching goal is to control COVID-19 by reducing transmission of the virus and preventing associated illness and death. 

  • Core public health measures that break the chains of transmission include:
  • Identification, isolation, testing, and clinical care for all cases,
  • Tracing of contacts, and
  • Encouraging physical distancing of at least 2 meters (6 feet) combined with frequent hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. 

Public health measures, awareness campaigns, testing, contact tracing and access to vaccines have been initiatives led by the TCIG. With over two (2) years of leading this charge, the TCIG has now devolved certain functions to the individual. 

Scope:   

This document provides updated guidance for individuals that test positive for COVID-19. The guidance is based on evidence on controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and scientific knowledge of the virus.

Transmission:  

Epidemiology and virology studies suggest that transmission occurs from both symptomatic and asymptomatic persons, to others by close contact through respiratory droplets, direct physical contact, or through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is highest in the upper respiratory tract (URT) (nose and throat) early in the course of the disease up to 2-3 days prior the onset of symptoms, and during the first 5-7 days of symptoms.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The following are the most common symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Incubation Period for COVID-19  

The incubation period for COVID-19, (the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset), is, on average, 5–6 days, but can be up to 14 days. During this period, also known as the “pre-symptomatic” period, some infected persons can be contagious, from 1–3 days before symptom onset. It is important to recognize that pre-symptomatic transmission still requires the virus to be spread via infectious droplets or by direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. An asymptomatic case is a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 who does not develop symptoms.

Precautions

·       Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from others

  • Wear a mask/ face covering over both the nose and mouth when around others (especially indoor settings)
  • Frequent hand hygiene: hand washing with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
  • Routine cleaning of regularly touched surfaces
  • COVID-19 Vaccination (once eligible)

Testing  

  • Any person who develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should get tested using an approved method.
  • The Ministry of Health currently recommends testing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or an approved Antigen/Lateral Flow Device.

Self-isolation

Individuals that test positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate as outlined below. The time period is to be calculated from date of sample collection or onset of symptoms.

An isolation period of at least 5 days is recommended*. It is recommended that household contacts of these individuals monitor themselves closely for symptoms and use all available precautions (outlined above).

*Persons with persistent symptoms or underlying conditions are at an increased risk of transmitting the virus and may be recommended to extend their isolation period. This should be evaluated and determined by the treating physician on a case-by-case basis. These individuals are strongly encouraged to maintain a face mask; especially when around others.

What to do if you have tested positive for COVID-19?:

  • Self-isolate and use all precautionary guidance outlined above as recommended.
  • Visitors who test positive should follow the guidance above, asymptomatic persons within the travel group testing negative; repatriate as planned.
  • Medical Certificates are documents issued by a registered and licensed medical practitioner. These should be requested if needed for use with insurance or leave from work/school etc. A “fit-to-work/recovery” certificate may be issued by the same facility/provider on completion of the isolation period (if required).
  • Please note, for persons travelling overseas, each destination may have specific requirements for entry including the required isolation period to be completed (in the event of testing positive), types of tests accepted or required proof of recovery. It is advised that persons verify updated requirements of their respective destination.
  • Persons testing positive at a non-medical facility, who require a medical certificate, should make contact with the Public Health Team as indicated below in a timely manner (proof of vaccination and test result should be available for verification):
    • Providenciales: National Stadium, Venetian Road, Monday-Friday 9am-2pm (except Public Holidays)
    • North Caicos
      • Kew: 342-6860
      • Bottle Creek: 347-2126
    • Middle Caicos: 242-2522
    • South Caicos: 345-7360
    • Grand Turk: 347-5657
    • Salt Cay: 245-9409

Further guidance can be obtained through the COVID-19 Hotline at: 333-0911 or 232-9444

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, the Ministry of Health will update these guidelines based on the best available evidence.  

TCI Travel Protocols (updated 25th January, 2022)

Entry vaccination requirements TCI

All visitors to the TCI will need to meet the following entry requirements;

  • have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19
  • have been fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine: received the complete series or a combination of accepted mRNA or Adenovirus vector vaccines as outlined below AND;
    • have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter TCI
    • Example: if your last dose was anytime on Thursday July 1st, then Friday July 16thwould be the first day that you meet the 14-day condition
  • upload your proof of vaccination to the TCI Assured Portal TCI || Dashboard (turksandcaicostourism.com)
  • meet all other entry requirements(for example, pre-entry test)

Accepted COVID-19 vaccines in TCI

  • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
  • Moderna (mRNA-1273, Spikevax)
  • AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
  • Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
  • The list of vaccines accepted for entry to the TCI now includes WHO approved vaccines. At the time of publishing, this expanded list includes; Sinopharm (BBIP-CorV (Vero Cells)) and Sinovac (CoronaVac).

Accepted mixed COVID-19 vaccines

Mixing of accepted vaccines (in a two-dose series) is accepted for entry into TCI; once fourteen (14) days have passed since receiving the second dose.

Recovered from COVID-19 with one dose

If you have recovered from COVID-19, you still need a full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or combination of accepted vaccines. If you’ve only had one dose of an accepted vaccine other than Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), you don’t qualify for the fully vaccinated traveler entry requirement for visitors.

No exceptions for partially-vaccinated travelers

At this time, there are no exemptions for visitors who haven't received the full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines accepted by the TCI unless a medical exemption is provided by a licensed physician.

Dependents

Unvaccinated children under the age of 16 years who are accompanied by travelers who are fully vaccinated:

  • must follow all testing requirements(unless under the age of 2 years)

This applies to unvaccinated children under 16 years of age, who are accompanying a parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who is a fully vaccinated traveler.

All unvaccinated children under the age of 16 years should be included as travelers in the submission to TCI Assured.

Traveling with unvaccinated dependent adults

Unvaccinated dependents age 18 or over, must follow all testing requirements and have proof of a medical exemption from a physician as specified, even when they are accompanied by parents or guardians who are fully vaccinated travelers.

Accepted medical exemptions from vaccination for visitors

Some persons may be exempted from vaccination against COVID-19 on medical grounds. This must be in the form of a signed and stamped certificate including the following information:

  • full name, gender and date of birth of the individual
  • registration number and contact details of a licensed healthcare professional in that jurisdiction
  • reason for medical exemption must be clearly stated/explained

Please note the Turks and Caicos Islands Government through the TCI Assured Portal reserves the right to accept or refuse medical exemptions and therefore can deny entry to the Turks and Caicos Islands on this basis.

Exemptions should be submitted in advance of travel to the TCI Assured Portal to allow sufficient time for review.

Pre-entry test result requirements

All travelers 2 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to enter TCI.

All travelers must provide one of the accepted types of tests including those who are fully vaccinated.

At this time, proof of having a vaccine will not replace a negative test result.

Travelers should keep proof of their test results for 14 days after their arrival into TCI.

Providing proof of your vaccination in TCI Assured Portal

In TCI Assured Portal, up to 72 hours before your travel, you must provide:

  • e-certificate/digital certificates
  • certification by Doctor or Government Entity
  • vaccination cards/certificates accepted by national authorities: e.g. EU, US, UK (i.e. CDC, NHS) a vaccination letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse) on official letterhead with contact details or Authorized Government Entity or printed record from an electronic vaccination database
  • the details of the first dose (date, country and vaccine you received)
  • the details of the second dose if one was required (i.e., for Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax, and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines)
  • a photo or PDF file of the record of each doseof the vaccination, such as receipts, cards, or confirmations:
    • if you received two doses and they are both recorded on a single card or PDF, upload that same image or file for dose 1 and again for dose 2
    • file formats accepted: PDF, PNG, JPEG or JPG
    • maximum file size for upload: each image upload has a 2 MB size limit
  • preferred file format: if you received a PDF file of your vaccination record, upload the PDF rather than an image, since the PDF is clearer and easier to read
  • these must be in English or a certified translation into English

Bring your original proof of vaccination with you while you travel for inspection.

Returning residents

Residents who have been fully vaccinated in the Turks and Caicos Islands:

Upload TCI COVID-19 Vaccine E-Certificate when applying to the TCI Assured Portal. Pre-arrival test or quarantine on arrival are not required at this time.

Fully vaccinated residents are exempt from taking a COVID-19 test prior to reentering the country, however, these residents and their households are required to be tested within two days of arrival in TCI-through TCIG testing sites at no cost.

Residents who have been fully vaccinated in the Turks and Caicos Islands and are traveling with unvaccinated minors:

Residents who have been fully vaccinated locally, who are travelling with unvaccinated minors are not subject to quarantine, however, testing within two days of arrival is recommended for minors at Ministry of Health testing sites.

Partially Vaccinated/Unvaccinated Residents:

All unvaccinated and partially vaccinated residents above the age of 2 years returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands must upload a negative COVID-19 Test to the TCI Assured Portal within 3 days of travel. On arrival, they will be required to quarantine themselves and their household for a period of seven days and undergo a mandatory test (that must be negative) prior to being released. If the test is positive, the quarantine period will be extended for an additional 7 days.

All returning residents, regardless of vaccination status are strongly advised to get tested for COVID-19 after arrival in the TCI.

Penalties for the submission of falsified test results or proof of vaccination;

Offence

  1. Any person who—
    • gives false information when completing the Travel Authorisation Form under regulation 4; or
    • otherwise contravenes the provisions of these Regulations (Turks And Caicos Islands Public And Environmental Health(Control Measures)(Covid-19)(Arriving Passengers Health Clearance) Regulations as amended commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars or to a term of imprisonment for three months, or to both.

Guidance for Managing Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Educational Settings (Updated September 2021)

This amended guidance explains the actions school leaders should take to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in their school. This includes public health advice, endorsed by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

It is for leaders and staff in:

  • Primary schools
  • Secondary schools (including sixth forms)
  • Higher education institutions.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) expects private schools to follow the control measures set out in this guidance in the same way as public schools, and public health and safety protocols applies equally to all schools.

As COVID-19 becomes a virus that we all have to learn to live with, there is now an imperative to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education. The MOH is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to ensure that appropriate preventive measures are adopted to minimize transmission of the virus as a vast number of students return to school across the TCI.

Every effort needs to made to ensure that schools are a safe environment for students and teachers and that the relevant protocols are in place to protect the learning environment which has been so badly disrupted as a result of the pandemic.

Safe communities are needed in order to ensure safe schools and therefore mitigation efforts in the wider community need to be strengthened in order to reduce community transmission and by extension protect educational settings and children.

Risk assessment

All schools are required to comply with Public and Environmental Health COVID-19 Regulations and put in place appropriate control measures. School leaders must regularly review and update their risk assessments - treating them as ‘living documents’, as the circumstances in school settings and the public health advice changes. This includes having active arrangements in place to monitor whether the controls are effective and working as planned. School leaders should contact the MOH public health team for more information on what is required in relation to public health measures in order to manage any potential risks. They should make sure contingency plans (sometimes called outbreak management plans) cover the possibility that in some areas it may become necessary to reintroduce stricter control measures for a temporary period.

Each school should take careful stock of their environment in order to have in place the necessary protocols based on their specific unique circumstances. Issues such as spacing and class sizes must be reviewed on a case by case basis to ensure compliance with measures to mitigate against disease spread within the classroom setting.

All plans need flexibility and contingencies to ensure continuity of learning in case there is a need to revert to online learning for a period.

Overarching Principles

The MOH has established some overarching principles which should be incorporated into each schools plan as a minimum and are as follows;

  1. COVID19/Outbreak plan must be developed by each institution
  2. Focal points at each school to be identified and be responsible for COVID-19 plan and its enforcement and compliance
  3. Clear communication of plan to all stakeholders including teachers, support staff, parents and children
  4. Resources must be allocated to execute plan
  5. Clear lines of communication with MOE and MOH including reporting
  6. Vaccination for all eligible staff
  7. Encouraging vaccination for eligible students with parental consent for children aged 12 years and up
  8. Testing strategy for staff and students-regular testing of unvaccinated teachers-once/twice weekly using lateral flow devices, testing of vaccinated staff monthly, parents to encourage students to get tested through community testing or private sector on a routine basis as a screening tool. This will strengthen surveillance and identify positive cases in a proactive manner in order the identity cases and facilitate implementation of quarantine and contact tracing to mitigate against disease spread.
  9. Consistent IPC (infection prevention and control activities)-respiratory and hand hygiene, social distancing, ventilation, environmental cleaning, cohorting of classes to avoid mixing, screening for symptoms on entry to schools (self-assessment), symptomatic staff and students to be separated and sent home for quarantine
  10. Maintain records of class attendance to facilitate contact tracing if needed
  11. Limit visitors (use visitors logs) and enforce IPC measures
  12. Staggered lunch breaks and breaks should be taken within bubbles to avoid mixing of classes in well ventilated areas with social distancing
  13. Risk assessments to be conducted for school trips abroad and should only be carried out if deemed essential and procedures are in place to mitigate risks including additional testing on return before rejoining classes.
  14. Establish partnerships with private medical entities to provide support and feedback to MOH
  15. Robust exclusion policy needed to ensure that symptomatic (and teachers) students do not attend school until they have been tested and receive a negative result.
  16. Include education for all age groups on an ongoing basis about public health measures pitched at the level of the students
  17. Response to positive cases in educational settings will be led by the MOH with testing done in accordance with principles of contact tracing i.e. close contacts only unless other factors dictate as determined by the Public Health Team.

Tracing close contacts and isolation

As with positive cases in any other setting, the MoH public health contact tracing team will work with any confirmed positive case and/or their parent to identify close contacts. Persons may be contacted in exceptional cases to help with identifying close contacts in same manner as managing other infectious diseases.

Individuals will be required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

  • they are fully vaccinated
  • they are below the age of 12 years
  • they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

They will be contacted by the Public Health Contact Tracing team who will inform that they have been in close contact with a positive case and will be advised to take a PCR test. The team may also encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if required to do so.

Staff who do not need to isolate, and children and young people aged under 12 years who usually attend school, and have not been identified as a close contact, should continue to attend school as normal.  Face coverings within the school settings should be enforced and are also recommended for travelling on school buses or other public vehicles.

Scaling up vaccination

The highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant has added an additional layer of concern and complication to this year’s school opening season. The high incidence of COVID-19 in the community makes transmission in schools much more likely. Therefore, we must all commit to reduce the transmission of the virus.

Persons within the 12-15 years age group are being encouraged to take the vaccine that is currently being offered within the TCI which is safe and effective in reducing the risk of infection, hospitalization and death.

We must also continue to follow the public health and social measures we know work, including testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine.

Settings will continue to have a role in working with public health teams in the case of a local outbreak. If there is a substantial increase in the number of positive cases in a setting the team might advise a setting to temporarily reintroduce some additional control measures.

In circumstances where face coverings are recommended

Face coverings (whether transparent or cloth) should fit securely around the face to cover the nose and mouth and be made with a breathable material capable of filtering airborne particles.

Face visors or shields can be worn but they are not an equivalent alternative in terms of source control of virus transmission. They may protect the wearer against droplet spread in specific circumstances but are unlikely to be effective in preventing the escape of smaller respiratory particles when used without an additional face covering. They should only be used after carrying out a risk assessment for the specific situation and should always be cleaned appropriately.

The use of face coverings may have a particular impact on those who rely on visual signals for communication.

Every school has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils to support them to access education successfully. Where appropriate, management personnel should discuss with pupils and parents the types of reasonable adjustments that are being considered to support an individual.

No pupil or student should be denied education on the grounds of whether they are, or are not, wearing a face covering.

Stepping measures up and down

Every school should have contingency plans (sometimes called outbreak management plans) outlining what they would do if pupils or staff test positive for COVID-19, or how they would operate if you were advised to take extra measures to help break chains of transmission. Given the detrimental impact that restrictions on education can have on children and young people, any measures in schools should only ever be considered as a last resort, kept to the minimum number of schools or groups possible, and for the shortest amount of time possible.

For most settings it will make sense to think about taking extra action if the number of positive cases substantially increases. Information on what circumstances might lead to considering taking additional action, and the steps you should work through should be clearly outlined in the contingency plan. Public health teams can recommend measures to include as part of the outbreak management responsibilities.

Control measures

  • Ensure good hygiene for everyone.
  • Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
  • Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
  • Follow MoH public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Ensure good hygiene for everyone

Hand hygiene

Frequent and thorough hand cleaning should now be regular practice. You should continue to ensure that pupils clean their hands regularly. This can be done with soap and water or hand sanitiser. These should be accessible to all staff and students and younger students should be assisted with frequent hand hygiene.

Respiratory hygiene

The ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach continues to be very important.

Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes, using standard products such as detergents (please see https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/guidance/221-general-cleaning-disinfecting-guidelines-to-prevent-covid-19).

School managers should put in place and maintain an appropriate cleaning schedule. This should include regular cleaning of areas and equipment (for example, twice per day), with a particular focus on frequently touched surfaces.

Keep occupied spaces well ventilated

When school is in operation, it is important to ensure it is well ventilated and that a comfortable teaching environment is maintained.

Any poorly ventilated spaces should be clearly identified as part of the risk assessment and the necessary steps should be taken to improve fresh air flow in these areas, giving particular consideration when holding events where visitors such as parents are on site, for example, school plays.

Mechanical ventilation is a system that uses a fan to draw fresh air or extract air from a room. These should be adjusted to increase the ventilation rate wherever possible and checked to confirm that normal operation meets current guidance and that only fresh outside air is circulated.

If possible, systems should be adjusted to full fresh air or, if this is not possible, then systems should be operated as normal as long as they are within a single room and supplemented by an outdoor air supply.

Where mechanical ventilation systems exist, you should ensure that they are maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations.

Opening external windows can improve natural ventilation, and in addition, opening internal doors can also assist with creating a throughput of air. If necessary, external opening of doors may also be used (if they are not fire doors and where safe to do so).

It is important to take into consideration the need for increased ventilation while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

When an individual develops COVID-19 symptoms or has a positive test

Pupils, staff and other adults should follow public health advice on when to self-isolate and what to do. They should not come into school if they have symptoms, have had a positive test result or other reasons requiring them to stay at home due to the risk of them passing on COVID-19 (for example, they are required to quarantine).

If anyone in any school develops COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, they should send them home and they should be advised to contact the health hotlines immediately on 333 0911 or 232 9444 and follow public health guidance.

For everyone with symptoms, they should avoid using public transport and, wherever possible, be collected by a member of their family or household.

If a pupil is awaiting collection, they should be left in a room on their own if possible and safe to do so. A window should be opened for fresh air ventilation if possible. Appropriate PPE should also be used if close contact is necessary. Any rooms they use should be cleaned after they have left. The household (including any siblings) should follow the public health guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

Provisions should be made to ensure that children in quarantine can still receive education through online engagement etc in order to ensure that they do not fall behind.

Parents should report if their child is ill or if a sibling who attends another school is sick to facilitate contact tracing.

Asymptomatic testing

Testing remains important in reducing the risk of transmission of infection within schools. In response to the latest epidemiological data, we all need to be prepared to step measures up or down in future depending on local circumstances.

Confirmatory PCR tests

Staff and pupils with a positive LFD test results should self-isolate in line with the guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. They will also need to get a PCR test to confirm if they have COVID-19.  Whilst awaiting the PCR result, the individual should continue to self-isolate.

Other considerations

All clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) children and young people should attend their education setting unless they are one of the very small number of children and young people under paediatric or other specialist care who have been advised by their clinician or other specialist not to attend.

Schools should ensure that key contractors are aware of the school’s control measures and ways of working.

Admitting children into school

In most cases, parents and carers will agree that a pupil with symptoms should not attend the school, given the potential risk to others.

If a parent or carer insists on a pupil attending school, management can take the decision to refuse the pupil if, in their reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect other pupils and staff from possible infection with COVID-19. Such a decision would need to be carefully considered in light of all the circumstances and current public health advice.

Remote education

Not all people with COVID-19 have symptoms. Where appropriate, schools should support those who need to self-isolate because they have tested positive or are a close contact, to work or learn from home if they are well enough to do so. Schools should be encouraged to provide temporary remote education to pupils where their attendance would contravene public health guidance or legislation around COVID-19.

Schools should work collaboratively with families and put in place reasonable adjustments so that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can successfully access remote education.

Pupil wellbeing and support

Some pupils may be experiencing a variety of emotions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as anxiety, stress or low mood. Persons can contact the mental health team for support on mental health and wellbeing in schools.

School workforce

School should be best placed to determine the workforce required to meet the needs of their pupils. Clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) people are advised, as a minimum, to follow the same guidance as everyone else. It is important that everyone adheres to this guidance, but CEV people may wish to think particularly carefully about the additional precautions they can continue to take.

Social distancing measures should be encouraged in school settings where possible. Employers should be able to explain the measures they have in place to keep CEV staff safe at work.

The MOH welcomes your support in encouraging vaccine take up and enabling staff who are eligible for a vaccination to attend scheduled vaccine clinics being offered where possible even during term time.

Reference

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/schools-covid-19-operational-guidance#tracing

Note that as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, the Ministry of Health will provide

updates if any additional precautions are recommended.