Update Covid-19: Advice to all students, parents and carers 25/06/21

Dear students, parents and carers

Further to my recent communication to you on 18th June 2021, please find below important information relating to the following:

1. Face coverings
2. Covid Testing – students and staff
3. Reporting a POSITIVE covid test result out of hours
4. Walk in vaccinations this Saturday and Thursday 1^st July
5. Reporting COVID-19 Cases: Latest data

1. Face coverings

Although case numbers in Torbay remain relatively low, they are increasing, and we appear to be experiencing the start of a third wave. There are cases across all ages but predominantly in the lower age groups.  Given the current trend from Monday 28th June 2021 until the end of term students will again be required to wear face coverings in all communal areas of the College, but not in classrooms. Additionally, all students and staff must adhere to Hands, Face, Space and Fresh air, in addition to twice weekly asymptomatic testing.
 

2. Covid Testing – students and staff

With only a few weeks of the summer term remaining, it is vital that College students and staff continue to test twice a week until the end of term.

Testing should continue to be a routine part of the week and the reporting of the results is essential.

Please note that it is a requirement to share results with NHS Test & Trace immediately so that contact tracing (particularly outside the College environment) can take place and clinical evaluation of the testing programme can continue.  Students and staff should share results with the College via the Covid test results form, as soon as possible after a test, so that if positive, contact tracing at the College can take place.

3. Reporting positive COVID results

Please remember to complete the ‘Out of hours Notification of a POSITIVE COVID-19 test result’ form using the link on the South Devon College website to alert us immediately if you, a member of your household or other close contact identified through Track & Trace, receive a positive test result whilst the College is closed.

4. Walk-in Vaccinations this Saturday and Thursday 1st July

Please see message below from Torbay Council.

No need to book, anyone can turn up at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay for your first Pfizer vaccine, or your second jab if you received your first Pfizer vaccine on or before 21 April.

Saturday, 26 June: 9am to 12noon

Thursday, 1 July: 12noon to 7pm

Please:

·         Prepare to wait and dress for the weather

·         Cancel your booked appointment if you made one but get your vaccine at the walk-in

·         Keep socially distanced while you wait

·         Note availability is subject to demand

And do get your second jab for maximum protection and remember it takes time for your immunity to build.
 

5. Reported COVID-19 Cases: Latest data 

 
The table below gives the most up-to-date picture of COVID-19 infections at South Devon College in all areas.  

Weekly cases:  3 (Total confirmed positive cases reported in the last week)

Total cases:  89  (A running total of positive/presumed positive cases reported to the College by students and staff since the first case was reported on Wednesday 7th October 2020)

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank you all for your ongoing support.

Kindest regards

Laurence Frewin 
Principal and CEO  
South Devon College