DENBIGHSHIRE County Council is reminding children and young people currently self-isolating to remain at home and not venture outuntil the isolation period comes to an end.

A number of schools have already informed pupils to self-isolate due to a confirmed case of covid connected with their schools, in line with Public Health Wales guidelines.

Self-isolation advice requires the child/ young person to stay at home, not to go outdoors to exercise, to visit shops, family or friends, or to other public spaces. They are also asked not to invite people to their home or to socialise with any groups.

If the child remains well then the other members of the household do not need to isolate and can continue with their normal activities. If the child is still well at the end of the 14-day period of self-isolation, they can return to their school and their other usual activities at that point.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “We are aware that a number of covid cases associated with schools has meant that many pupils have been asked to self-isolate as a precautionary measure.

“We fully recognise that it may be difficult for children and young people to stay at home and away from their friends, however they really need to follow the self-isolation advice and not venture out of their home. This is a small but very important step in our efforts to battle coronavirus and we must follow the advice if we are to try and reduce the number of cases in our county.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in the family can do to help. These include:

• washing hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

• washing hands as soon as they get home

• covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze

• putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards

Please be alert for symptoms of COVID-19 in your child, which are:

• A new or continuous cough

• A high temperature

• A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

If your child develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild:

• Inform the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team who will be in daily contact with you

• If advised by TTP book a test for them by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

• Inform the school that they are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and that you have requested a test

• Your child should remain in self-isolation

• All other household members should isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms

• Do not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital but if you require medical advice please contact NHS 111 or telephone your GP; if there is a medical emergency phone 999

• If you require medical advice for COVID-19 symptoms or another reason, please inform the healthcare worker that your child is a contact of a case of COVID-19 and in self-isolation

• Please follow the advice provided when your child receives their test result

Further information on Test, Trace, Protect can be found at: https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus