2/2 The intention remains for education settings to return on Friday morning, however we will provide an update tomorrow early afternoon to either confirm those plans or amend them. For the latest information please keep an eye on gov.gg/stormciaran

1/ As Storm Ciarán begins to subside tomorrow (Thursday 2nd November), inspections will need to be carried out at all education sites to ensure there is no damage that would make it dangerous for students and staff to return on Friday.

3/3 Parents are asked to continue supporting guidance on the use of LFTs, as the current surveillance testing request remains in place. This will be regularly reviewed by Education and Public Health.

2/ However, in line with CCA advice it is recommended that they continue to be worn in enclosed communal spaces such as corridors. There is no longer an expectation that parents and carers wear face coverings when attending school grounds for drop-off/collection.

1/ Following the CCA announcement today, Education has confirmed that it will no longer be compulsory for secondary and post-16 students and staff, and staff in primary schools, to wear face coverings in communal areas.

The term will end for States-run primary & secondary schools on Friday afternoon (17 Dec 2021). However all schools will be open on Mon 20, Tues 21 & the morning of Wed 22 December for children of any parent who must work & those invited by headteachers. bit.ly/3pS8J9C

We are livestreaming a COVID-19 briefing on Monday 29 November 2021 at 6.00pm on our Facebook page. You can also watch at gov.gg/coronavirus and listen on local radio. Subtitles will be included. We will not be taking questions from the public.

1/2 Parents, carers and visitors to education settings are being asked to wear face coverings whenever they are on school grounds. This includes pick-up and drop-off, and when attending any events hosted by education settings.

If you are symptomatic, please stay at home and arrange a PCR test. Contact tracers are seeing a number of symptomatic people still going into work, attending parties etc, creating at least 50 contacts. Please know the symptoms, be kind and think of others. Thank you.

The CCA has agreed that from 4th October, when travel rules will see a further relaxing of restrictions, it will no longer be necessary for children to take a PCR test in order to return to an education setting after travelling into the Bailiwick. More at: bit.ly/3APmTwu

The Covid-19 clinical helpline numbers are changing after a period of high call volumes. This should help solve issues with getting through to the line. The new numbers are: 01481 220001 & 01481 220002. The old numbers will continue to redirect. More at: bit.ly/3mjwupl

Public Health are taking the opportunity of the new academic year start to carry out widespread COVID-19 testing across the Education Sector. LFT packs will be posted to families from Monday 23rd August, directly from Guernsey Post. More at: gov.gg/educationtesting

As Islanders gear up for Liberation Day, they are being reminded of the range of activities & events around the island this year Go to liberationday.gg/ for the official programme of events, & details of community-organised events taking place. More bit.ly/3ttqk7B

500 free crafts packs will be available to children to help celebrate Liberation Day this year. This has been made possible by Credit Suisse and local retailer Iris and Dora have designed the craft packs & will distribute them from their shop. More at: bit.ly/3b13z4q