Parents told not to send pupils with Covid or virus symptoms into school

Schools are asking parents to keep pupils with Covid or symptoms of the virus off school.

While it's no longer a legal requirement for those testing positive to self-isolate, the NHS guidance is to still 'stay at home' to help prevent the spread.

But it's feared that some children could be sent to school regardless, risking a surge in infection rates.

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That's why schools have been given new guidance to share with families, which makes it clear what is expected.

It states that if a child has symptoms of Covid, they 'shouldn't attend school' and should get a PCR test.

If the child's test comes back negative, then providing they have been fever free for 48 hours and feel well, they can return to school.

If it's positive they should isolate for up to 10 days before returning, or can go back in earlier if they have two consecutive negative tests on the fifth and sixth complete day of self-isolation.

David Regan, director of public health at Manchester City Council, said: "We've all been through so much during the last two years, and our schools have done a fantastic job throughout the pandemic educating our children.

"The end of legal restrictions does not however mean the end of Covid. Now more than ever it's vital that we all continue to play our part, and it's important that we don't let our guard down.

"That means following all the guidance to keep everyone healthy and safe at home and at school, and making sure that everyone who can gets vaccinated."

In a letter to parents he said that schools are within their right to send pupils home if families don't follow the guidance.

"School leaders can take the decision to send a child home/not to allow a child to