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COVID-19: update for schools and settings
A message from Vicky Head, Director of Public Health in Milton Keynes
Dear colleagues,
There has been a significant increase in COVID outbreaks over the past month. In the week ending Sunday 6 June, there were an additional 138 cases reported in Milton Keynes (51 cases per 100,000). We are aware that if this trend continues, it is going to impact on schools and settings.
Please continue to be vigilant for symptoms, promote regular testing and get vaccinated when you can. We know that schools and settings have worked extremely hard on measures to control this virus. Please keep doing what you're doing as we know this makes a real difference.
At this stage, I advise delaying any planned loosening of in-school/setting precautions.
What can you tell us about the Delta variant?
The SARS-CoV-2 variant Delta (first identified in India) has become the dominant form of COVID-19 both nationally and locally.
Some key factors:
- The Delta variant is significantly more transmissible than the previous dominant strain of this virus. There is also evidence that the Delta variant has a shorter incubation period (that is, people may become infectious and show symptoms more quickly after being infected).
- There is a higher probability of severe illness associated with the Delta variant however, the chance of people aged under 40 being admitted to hospital is low.
- There is some evidence that the Delta variant can evade the vaccine in those people who have had one vaccination. For this reason, it is especially important for everyone to receive BOTH doses.
Although we know that double vaccination provides effective protection, we want to avoid secondary transmission to older family members and school outbreaks which will further impact on the education of our children and young people.
The local situation is finely balanced at the moment. Despite the success of the vaccination programme, unfortunately it is still possible for cases to surge putting pressure on both school operations and the NHS.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for continuing to do all you can to contain the spread of this virus and protect our communities.
Kind regards,
Vicky Head
Director of Public Health, Milton Keynes Council
Milton Keynes Council contacts
Please contact EY Enquiries if you would like any additional colleagues to receive copies of this regular update.
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