NEW Public Health advice - 24 June

Delta variant symptoms - testing advice

In some cases people who have tested positive for the new Delta variant of the covid virus have reported experiencing different symptoms to the standard three (temperature, cough, loss of taste or smell).

This has not been consistent however and as such we are not able to widen the definition of symptoms which should prompt people to get a covid test.

• Being pragmatic, if there are known positive cases in the school community, as a precaution schools should advise getting tested if people feel unwell.
• If there are no known cases, schools should advise getting tested only if any of the three standard symptoms are present.

This is a proportionate approach which will help avoid unnecessary testing. The situation is being kept under review.

Please ensure that all parents and carers are aware of the Covid quick guide produced by the Public Health team.