How schools can inform close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case

Schools should follow the process below if writing to close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Confirm that the child or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19

• Was the child or staff member at school during the infectious period.
• 48 hours prior to symptom onset to 10 days after symptom onset.
• Who has had ‘close contact’ with the ‘possible’ case of COVID-19 during the infectious period
• Direct face to face contact with a case for any length of time, including being coughed, talked to, skin-to-skin physical contact.

This will include exposure within 1 meter for 1 minute or longer.

• Extended close contact within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
• Travelled in a vehicle with the case

Also refer to What to do if there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in school.

Advise parents of a confirmed case of COVID-19

Public Health England (PHE) recommend that a letter is sent to parents where there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19. Here is the suggested letter template to send to parents when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see download section below).

See also template letters from the COVID-19 LCRC schools resource pack