Ahead of the Spring Term, Public Health is reminding parents not to send their children to school if they are feeling unwell or have a fever.
Parents are being urged to look out for symptoms of seasonal illnesses including scarlet fever, flu, and COVID-19 and ensure their children only return to school when they are recovered. If positive for COVID-19, they should stay off school for a minimum of 5 days and be symptom free for an additional 48 hours before returning.
Islanders are being reminded to follow current Public Health guidance and spread warmth, not illness, by:
• Staying home if feeling unwell and getting a PCR test
• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and Flu
• Keeping the air fresh by opening windows
Parents who think their child or themselves may have scarlet fever should:
• Contact their GP as soon as possible
• Stay at home, away from nursery, school, or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection.
• Make sure their child takes the full course of any prescribed antibiotics
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “We have seen a rise in the number of seasonal illnesses this winter, so it is important that, as we head into a new school term, children who are feeling unwell or experiencing fevers stay off school to reduce the spread of illness.
“Winter is a season in which these illnesses thrive, so I urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their flu or COVID-19 vaccines to book an appointment at gov.je/vaccine. Let’s spread warmth, not illness this winter.“
Government of Jersey News Release