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There are no imminent plans to close schools in Caerphilly or alter any of its social distancing or safety guidelines, despite the county being locked down locally.
The Welsh government announced late Monday that the county would enter a lockdown period starting Tuesday at 6pm.
The decision comes after a week in which 98 new cases were confirmed, the highest number of any local authority in Wales.
The new rules mean that people will not be allowed to enter or leave the Caerphilly County area without a reasonable excuse, that people will not be allowed to gather with other people who do not belong inside their home, and that all people over 11 years old must wear a mask inside stores.
The Welsh government will announce more details on the closure on Tuesday, but schools are not expected to be affected at the moment.
This means that county schools will remain open and the current guidelines issued by the Caerphilly County City Council will not be changed. These include the recommendation that “all high school and college students riding exclusive school transportation must cover their faces.”
Meanwhile, students traveling to high school or university by public transport “must wear a three-layer face covering as mandated by the Government of Wales.” Two county schools have already received positive test results: St Gwladys Elementary School in Bargoed and Bedwas Nursery School.
(Image: PA)
A statement issued by Caerphilly County Council states: “The Government of Wales has stated that while face coverings are likely to be of little value in children under 11 years of age, infection and transmission rates increase from age 11, during the high school age group, and could play a role in risk mitigation.
“Therefore, the current advice from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales is that all members of the public over the age of 11 are advised to cover their faces in indoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained, including schools and transport. school.
“When students wear a face cover, they should not touch the front of the face cover during use or when taking it off. They should wash their hands immediately upon arrival at school or home, dispose of temporary face covers in a covered container, or put them in a reusable place.Face covers in a plastic bag for washing.
“We will give all students reusable face covers at school, on their first day of attendance. Parents are encouraged to provide their children with a face cover to wear on their first trip to school, however, with most schools returning in stages, social distancing through September 14 should be possible.
“Staff involved in transporting students on dedicated school transportation, when possible, shall wear face covers and any appropriate additional PPE in accordance with WG guidance.”
Speaking after the local closure was announced Monday evening, Philippa Marsden, Caerphilly Council Leader, said: “We need to create a break in the cycle of infection that we are seeing in the Caerphilly district right now and unfortunately , that means introducing new and tougher restrictions.
“I urge everyone who lives in the area to follow these new measures; follow social distancing guidelines and wash your hands regularly. If we all work together, we can control this outbreak and reduce cases of the virus. “
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