04 January 2023
Ahead of the Spring Term, Public Health is reminding parents not to send their children to
school if they are feeling unwell or have a fever.
Parents are being urged to look out for symptoms of seasonal illnesses including scarlet
fever, flu, and COVID-19 and ensure their children only return to school when they are
recovered. If positive for COVID-19, they should stay off school for a minimum of 5 days
and be symptom free for an additional 48 hours before returning.
Islanders are being reminded to follow current Public Health guidance and spread warmth,
not illness, by:
- Staying home if feeling unwell and getting a PCR test
- Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and Flu
- Keeping the air fresh by opening windows
Parents who think their child or themselves may have scarlet fever should:
- Contact their GP as soon as possible
- Stay at home, away from nursery, school, or work for at least 24 hours after starting
the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection
- Make sure their child takes the full course of any prescribed antibiotics
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “We have seen a rise in the number
of seasonal illnesses this winter, so it is important that, as we head into a new school term,
children who are feeling unwell or experiencing fevers stay off school to reduce the spread
of illness.
“Winter is a season in which these illnesses thrive, so I urge anyone who hasn’t yet had
their flu or COVID-19 vaccines to book an appointment at gov.je/vaccine. Let’s spread
warmth, not illness this winter.“
gov.je