COVID19 POLICY STATEMENT UPDATED August 21 - St Patricks BNS

St. Patrick’s B.N.S. COVID-19 Policy Statement
Version 4- Update 25.08.21

St. Patrick’s B.N.S. is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff and a safe learning environment for all our pupils. To ensure that, we have developed and updated the following COVID-19 Response Plan. The BOM and all school staff are responsible for the implementation of this plan and a combined effort will help contain the spread of the virus. We will:
continue to monitor our COVID-19 response and amend this plan in consultation with our staff
provide up to date information to our staff and pupils on the Public Health advice issued by the HSE and Gov.ie
display information on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and correct hand-washing techniques
agree with staff, a worker representative who is easily identifiable to carry out the role outlined in this plan
inform all staff and pupils of essential hygiene and respiratory etiquette and physical distancing requirements
adapt the school to facilitate physical distancing as appropriate in line with the guidance and direction of the Department of Education
keep a contact log to help with contact tracing
ensure staff engage with the induction / familiarisation briefing provided by the Department of Education
implement the agreed procedures to be followed in the event of someone showing symptoms of COVID-19 while at school
provide instructions for staff and pupils to follow if they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during school time
implement cleaning in line with Department of Education advice
All school staff will be consulted on an ongoing basis and feedback is encouraged on any concerns, issues or suggestions.
This can be done through the Lead Worker Representative(s), who will be supported in line with the agreement between the Department and education partners.
Version 4 of the COVID 19 Response Plan has been altered in the following respects: - § Section 5.1 includes updated common and uncommon symptoms of COVID-19 § Section 5.5 reiterates the public health advice that children do not have to wear masks at school. Parents may, however, request that their children wear a mask.

Signed:  Philip O’ Kelly     Date: 04/08/20
                Updated: 25/02/2021
    Updated 25.08.21