CV&CC Update 6th October 2020

CV&CC Update

Tuesday 6^th October

Situation Update

Student attendance is currently just over 91%, which is above the current national figure of 86%. Attendance for September was 93%. We have been fortunate that staff absence remains very low, and mostly unrelated to covid. There have been a handful of suspected cases among student and staff families, but no positive tests of any current student or staff member. We are therefore continuing to provide a broad curriculum within a clear daily routine, and are beginning to explore how we can safely and cautiously build on this provision. Nationally, one in five schools is closed, part-closed or with students self-isolating because of covid.

Local Rates

The news reports increasing rates of covid cases nationally. Locally to us, East Devon has risen very slightly to 8 (eight) cases per 100,000; Broadclyst, Cranbrook, Stoke Canon and area is 54/100,000; Exeter is 52/100,000. [There aren’t 100,000 people living in the Broadclyst area, so numbers of cases are multiplied up]. These are below the levels at which we would need to introduce further restrictions, but you will appreciate that we are keeping a very close watch.

NHS Covid-19 App

From Devon County Council: Download the new NHS COVID-19 App

• The new NHS COVID-19 app is now available to download.It’s free and it has some clever features that will help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• It’s to support the NHS Test and Trace service, so its major benefit to the public is in helping to trace people quickly when they’ve been in close contact for a period of time with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. That way, they can be advised even sooner to self-isolate and take any other appropriate steps.
• In Devon, our overall number of positive coronavirus cases is, although rising, still relatively low compared to other parts of the country. But the NHS Test and Trace service is still just as vital here in helping to trace people as quickly as possible and to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The sooner you know, the sooner you can act and reduce the risk of infection to others.
• So we want to encourage you to download the free app today. 
• It works by recording the location of places that you visit – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, leisure or tourist attractions, ‘close contact’ establishments such as hair dressers, places of worship, and others public places including libraries and village halls – onto your phone.
• You’ll get an alert if you’ve visited a place where you’ve had prolonged contact recently with someone who has tested positive with coronavirus, and there’ll be advice about what to do next.
• It also provides risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking features.
• Venues are now legally required to collect contact details from customers and visitors, so if you don’t have a smartphone, they will also have their own log book or other paper method.
• If you have any questions about the app, NHS Covid-19 app support may have the answers online.

Stagecoach

There was a hiccup yesterday, but the basic service is settling down to three (often four) buses to Exeter at the end of the day; and one to Cullompton. Students to Exeter do not have to pile on to the first two buses if they wish for a less cramped/ more socially distanced journey.