Following the Prime Minister’s announcements on Monday, the country is clearly entering a new phase regarding Covid 19. Both nationally and locally, we are now in a much better place than we were, with high rates of immunity as a result of vaccination and prior infection. This QE Update sets out the changes and explains how we are following national guidance.

First, however, I would like to thank you for your efforts over the past two years to keep everyone as safe as possible. I recognise that, at times, a great deal has been asked of people, and I am proud of the way that pupils, parents and the wider Elizabethan community have responded, adapting to changes with good cheer and with a stoicism that is born out of consideration for others.


ISOLATION AND TESTING CHANGES

The Government has signalled the end of regular asymptomatic testing and boys will no longer receive twice-weekly reminders from Test Register. There is also an end to routine contact tracing and the requirement for close contacts of those who have tested positive to test daily for seven days. Our final LFD testing kit distribution takes place today: kits are for QE pupils to use at their discretion. We suggest you use any remaining kits: if pupils develop symptoms; if you are concerned that your son may have the virus, or if he is a close contact of someone who has tested positive. Tests remain free to order for everyone until 1 April 2022.

As a result of the national changes, we have updated our guidance on isolation and testing for the rest of the term (i.e. until Friday 1st April). If pupils are unwell with Covid-19 symptoms, they should take a test. If they test positive, we are still asking them to follow the current strong public health advice and isolate for at least five full days, returning once they have returned two negative tests at least 24 hours apart.

With case rates in the School very low, we are suspending access to lessons on MS Teams for boys isolating at home because of Covid 19 at the end of this week. This brings arrangements for coronavirus cases into line with those applying to boys who are off school with other illnesses, or absent for other reasons. Boys should seek support from their peers and teachers and use eQE in order to catch up, as they would do for any other illness absence from School.


CONTINUING MEASURES TO KEEP THE VIRUS IN CHECK

Whilst there are grounds for optimism, coronavirus has not gone away. It therefore remains of cardinal importance that we continue measures to combat its spread. The Government states that good ventilation, hygiene and vaccination uptake, as well as following any additional advice from local directors of public health, are the best measures to prevent Covid 19 spreading in schools.

All at QE should continue to use the hand sanitisers provided regularly, or wash hands thoroughly with soap. They should also cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then promptly dispose of the tissue in the nearest bin. We will continue to ensure that classrooms and other areas are well-ventilated. With vaccinations soon to be offered to those aged 5-11, our younger Year 7s will also be eligible. Other age groups are, of course, still able to get first, second and booster doses, as appropriate. It remains possible that local Public Health Directors may advise the reintroduction of measures to help control localised outbreaks.

For the foreseeable future, pupils will need to register a negative lateral flow test and report the result via the Test Register system just prior to going on a residential trip (where the boys are away overnight). This is to avoid difficult logistical situations where a pupil who is unknowingly Covid 19-positive then starts developing symptoms and becomes unwell on a trip. The requirement also recognises that there may be additional coronavirus risk factors associated with a trip.

When it comes to face-coverings, pupils and staff are free to wear them in any situation if they wish to do so. If someone is feeling unwell or they know they are a close contact of a confirmed case, we would strongly advise that boys take responsibility and consider others by wearing a mask. We also ask pupils and staff to continue to carry a mask with them, just in case – if they start to feel unwell, or if boys are asked to wear one by a member of staff, for example. This will help protect those in the School community who are clinically vulnerable. We would ask boys to follow TfL guidance on buses and trains, and also to follow that guidance on School coaches.

In this new phase, our QE values of being responsible, kind and considerate people will remain vitally important. We can, I hope, all play our part in helping restrict the spread of the virus by continuing to take the necessary precautions, whilst simultaneously enjoying a full educational experience.


With best wishes

Mr Neil Enright
Headmaster