Dear Parent / Carer

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am writing to you about the concerning situation in Knowsley where we are seeing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. Our current level of positive cases is higher than the North West average – a situation we do not want to see and we all need to take action to bring the number of positive cases down.

As you will know, COVID-19 easily spreads from person to person and we know that we have widespread community transmission across the borough.

There are additional measures that we need to put in place to stop the spread of the virus – they are essential measures that will help to keep our schools open.

The council has working closely with schools to implement important safety measures to reduce any risks to children, however, we need your support too and we ask that you:-

• Wear a face covering / face visor when visiting or entering the school premises (unless you are exempt).
• Only one adult to enter the premises for drop off and pick up.
• That you arrive and leave promptly when dropping off / collecting your child – please do not congregate and maintain social distancing as we know that the virus is easily transmitted from person to person.
• Young people avoid congregating outside school and mixing with other schools and go directly home.
• All adults and pupils wear face coverings in all communal areas in secondary schools will be mandatory (except for those with an exception) from Monday 21 September.
• All staff wear face coverings when they come out onto the playground during drop off and pick up times.
• Ensure your household adheres to self-isolation rules – if your child tests positive, they need to self isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms and other household members need to self isolate for 14 days. If you’ve been in close contact with someone that has tested positive, you need to self isolate for 14 days.
• If you or your child has symptoms (high temperature, new / persistent cough, loss of taste or smell), stay at home and book a test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or ring 119. Only book a test if you display symptoms.