Government publishes new Covid-19 measures for nurseries, childminders and schools amid Omicron concern

It comes after two people tested positive for the Omicron variant, a variant of concern originating from South Africa, over the weekend. Since then, additional cases have been identified in Scotland and one in Westminster, London, however the person has since left the country.

Earlier today, Essex County Council also confirmed that 'following further contact tracing of the known Omicron Covid-19 case in Brentwood, it has been confirmed that there is a link to Larchwood Primary School based in Pilgrims Hatch.'

Most of the guidance, particularly for early years settings, has not changed. The only changes that apply to childcare providers and primary schools are:

• Face coverings should be worn in communal areas by staff and visitors.
• Any close contacts of suspected or confirmed Omicron cases, must isolate for 10 days regardless of their vaccination status.

The measures also confirm that all educational and childcare settings should continue to encourage staff and students to use lateral flow tests twice a week, and encourage good hand hygiene.

The only children that are ‘strongly advised’ to wear face coverings are secondary school pupils, however.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said, 'The news of a new variant – the so-called Omicron variant – will have understandably caused concern for people across our country, including our teachers, wider education and childcare staff, parents, pupils and students.

'We are already taking targeted and proportionate action as a precaution while we find out more information about the new variant. As we do so, we will continue to prioritise children’s and young people’s education and wellbeing, making sure education and childcare settings are as safe as possible and children continue to benefit from classroom teaching.

'We are working with education and childcare settings to enhance safety measures where needed, including introducing isolation for 10 days for close contacts of suspected Omicron cases.

'I’d like to thank everyone working to support our children and young people for their patience and hard work.'

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, commented, ‘This is a worrying time for schools. As always, the safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and families is the number one priority. Given the level of uncertainty about the new variant, we are pleased the Government is taking a precautionary approach. It only makes sense for the requirements for face masks in schools to match the rules for the wider population. It's good that the Government has moved swiftly to give clarity to schools and parents about the new mitigations.’

• The guidance is available here