Public Health Dorset offers reassurance to parents

All children will return to the classroom this week.

Published 7th Sep 2020

Public Health Dorset are reassuring parents, with all pupils finally back at school this week.

They are warning it's even more important to stick to social distancing and hygiene guidelines with children back in c

Jo Wilson is head of programmes for Public Health Dorset.

She says schools are prepared:

"We know it's going to look very different for our children and young people.

"Parents, teachers and students will feel they may have concerns about returning to school safely but i'd like to reassure you that Public Health, schools and the local authority have been working really closely together to ensure the safe return of all students this term."

Jo added there are measures in place to make sure schools and local authorities can respond quickly to any outbreaks:

"Schools have implemented safety and hygiene measures to keep the risk of transmission in school we have processes in place to work with schools to ensure that all the appropriate actions are taken should there be a suspected or positive case.

"Where there is a positive case in school close contacts will be contacted to advise them to self-isolate and public health will work closely with schools and local authority to ensure staff parents and children receive the communication about the actions they need to take.

"I'd like to remind you of the importance of getting tested if you have any symptoms and self-isolating for 10 days members of your household will also need to self-isolate for 14 days and this may include children for whom you need to inform the school and let them know that they are self-isolating if you need a test you can book one online or you can call 119."