Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language
I would like to inform you that the Public Health Advice for Schools: Coronavirus has been published today.
In line with publication of Together for a Safer Future, Wales’s long-term COVID-19 transition from pandemic to endemic, and the latest Public health guidance for employers, businesses and organisations: coronavirus, this new advice brings schools and education settings into line with other sectors in Wales in terms of public health advice and COVID-19, and replaces the Local COVID-19 Infection control decision framework for schools.
Together for a Safer Future sets out the long-term transition from pandemic to endemic in Wales. The plan explains how we will move away from an emergency phase to a more sustainable set of arrangements that can serve us over the longer term.
However, as recognised within the plan, COVID-19 has not gone away and will remain with us globally. For this reason, it remains important for schools to consider what they can do to reduce the spread of the virus, and protect their learners and staff, including any additional protections for those who are more vulnerable, including the immunosuppressed or those who live with someone who is vulnerable. By continuing to implement public health control measures, schools will help keep the spread of the virus low, improve public and staff confidence and minimise the potential of further disruption. The new advice sets out arrangements for the delivery of learning, enabling schools to tailor interventions to reflect local risks and circumstances.
I would like to thank local authorities, trade union representatives and public health officials for engaging positively with us throughout the development of this advice. Our shared ambition is to ensure learners can continue to access as wide a range of experiences as possible in a way that keeps everyone safe.