Successful reopening of schools across West Cheshire

In the seven days up to 29 August, there were 26 confirmed COVID-19 cases for West Cheshire. This compares to 27 confirmed cases in West Cheshire in the previous week (15 to 22 August).

The number of positive test results in each local authority is updated regularly and our data can be viewed at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/cases?areaType=ltla&areaName=Cheshire%20West%20and%20Chester

Public Health officers are monitoring case numbers daily and working with businesses and communities to offer support in helping them become COVID-secure.

We have also been working with school leaders in the weeks leading up to this week’s reopening to offer public health advice.

Scenario planning events have taken place to guide headteachers through how to deal with example situations such as a pupil who is symptomatic and what to do if a pupil tests positive for COVID-19. School staff have received public health training and advice on how the NHS Test and Trace Service works to ensure they can manage any potential cases.

This extensive preparation has meant a successful reopening of schools across the borough this week.

Cheshire West Association of Primary Headteachers chairs Sue Tomlinson and Rob Pullen said: “Headteachers and their teams are delighted to welcome pupils back to school and are reporting how lovely it is to hear the sound of happy children and staff back in the classrooms learning together.

“Our schools in Cheshire West have been working incredibly hard to prepare for a safe return to school and to reassure children, families and school communities of all the measures taken to help schools be safe places for learners and learning. Schools are working in close partnership with public health to ensure our environments are safe.

“Families have an important role to play also in communicating with schools if their child becomes unwell and by staying at home and self-isolating as necessary and following all Government guidelines on COVID-19.

 “Schools are very mindful that there will be anxieties and that children, staff and families will need time to reconnect in a safe way and will be supporting children’s emotional health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said “The preparation our public health officers and headteachers have carried out was essential in ensuring schools could reopen safely.

“Our teams will continue to work with schools in the months to come to monitor the situation. If there are cases of COVID infection in one of our schools in the weeks to come, we are confident that the planning is in place to deal with any situations effectively so that pupils’ education and school life can continue.”

If you visit a business, where you feel they are not following the relevant government guidelines, please email regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and we can support them to become more COVID secure.

Protect yourself, your family and friends by getting a coronavirus test if you feel ill or have symptoms (a high temperature, new, continuous cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste). To get tested, please call 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus. Protect your community by then self-isolating for 10 days if you have symptoms or 14 days if alerted to do so by a contact tracer.