Get ready to go back to school!
The half term is nearly over and as teachers, parents and carers get ready to go back to school it’s important not to forget about lateral flow tests.
All those in secondary or further education whether working or studying should still be taking regular lateral flow tests.
Please remember to take a test on Sunday if possible to help our education settings stay as safe as possible.
It’s more important than ever to keep our education settings safe.
Education staff and secondary school and college learners – keep following these steps. #KeepWalesLearning pic.twitter.com/XoSIRDcdhz
— Welsh Government Education (@WG_Education) October 27, 2021
Help keep Covid away from schools
- If your child has any symptoms, however mild, keep them at home and get a test.
- No symptoms? Make sure they take a rapid lateral flow test twice-a-week and report all the results.
- Follow the school rules on face coverings. Secondary pupils (Year 7 and above) will need to wear them on school transport.
- Get the vaccine if it’s offered to you or your child.
- Wash hands regularly.
Strengthened measures to reduce high coronavirus cases in Wales
- Today, the First Minister has announced that Level 0 (working from home where possible, wearing masks, etc.) will remain in place for a further three weeks, but with:
- an expansion in the use of Covid Passes, from 15 November, to include cinemas, theatres and concert halls
- a change to self-isolation rules (those who have not had the double jab will have to self-isolate for 10 days; those who have had the double jab will only have to self-isolate until they have had a negative PCR test result)
- Welsh Government will be issuing a schools Covid toolkit.
- If rates worsen, more restrictions will be put in place at the next review in three weeks, possibly including a move back to Level 1.
Rates of coronavirus in Wales are currently the highest in the UK.
https://gov.wales/strengthened-measures-reduce-high-coronavirus-cases-wales
Remember your Covid Pass if you’re going for a night out
In order to attend nightclubs or similar venues or large events in Wrexham and across Wales you’ll now have to show your vaccination status or a recent negative lateral flow test result.
You can show these quickly on your NHS Covid Pass, which you can download from the NHS website.
Read more about this here (https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/how-to-access-your-covid-pass-if-youre-heading-out/)
GET YOUR COVID PASS
PCR Testing Centre
From 8 November, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has agreed with the UK Department for Health and Social Care for a mobile testing unit to be deployed in Tesco Car park, Cefn Mawr, we’ll bring you more detail about this soon.
Vaccinations
The winter vaccination campaign is well under way and BCUHB is making good progress with the Covid-19 boosters, vaccinations for 12-15 year olds and flu vaccinations.
If you are contacted about your booster vaccination please make every effort to attend. It’s an important defence against Covid-19 as we approach the fast approaching winter months.
If you haven’t yet had your first dose or second dose then it’s not too late. You can arrange this by calling the COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 2pm.
There is no need to contact to book an appointment for your booster vaccine. You will be contacted directly when it is your turn.
On Sunday, 31 October, BCUHB is holding a half term walk-in clinics for anyone aged 12-17 years and 9 months only to receive their first dose, if they don’t already have an appointment booked in the coming weeks.
It will be held at the Catrin Finch Centre between 09.00 and 17.00.
Halloween and Bonfire Night
As always we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire night.
If you are making lanterns or visiting properties where they’re lit please take extra care, try to keep clothing away from any flames and if possible use battery operated lanterns.
If you are purchasing fireworks please ensure they are from a reputable dealer and that you follow all the safety instructions – Fireworks are dangerous and can cause serious harm.
Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday
We’re making arrangements for this year’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events which will go ahead this year rather than virtually as we did last year.
If you attend either of the events please remember to social distance and wear a mask where possible.