Infection Control Measures during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Norwegian Directorate of Education and Training states that as long as the virus circulates in society, infection with Covid-19 can occur – also in schools - because it is not possible to prevent all new cases. As a school, we are committed to limit the spread of infection among children and school staff.

The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training has identified three main pillars for curbing the spread of infection. These are, in order of priority:

1. If you are ill, you should not be in school
2. Maintain good hygiene and cleaning routines
3. Reduce contact between people

We have outlined the practical implemenation of these three pillars in routines and procedures in the attached policy: Infection Control Measures at Birralee.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Facemasks in school

The Norwegian Health Authorities do not recommend the use of face masks in schools. This applies to both students and staff in primary school, secondary school and upper secondary school.

From 12th December, facemasks are mandatory in certain areas in Trondheim for everyone born before 2008 (with the exception of people who can not wear a facemask due to medical reasons).

These areas include:

Schools (but not for employees and students)
Outside in crowded areas (e.g. when you are born before 2008 and are waiting outside the gate before or after school)

The Health Authorities do not recommend the use of face masks by children. Children may have difficulty wearing a face mask correctly, and very young children may find it difficult to breathe well when wearing a face mask.

Staff in childcare centres and schools who have a higher risk of a severe course of COVID-19 should discuss the need for workplace adjustment with their doctor.

Original article on FHI.no

When should students stay at home?

Updated 01.12.2020

Students with respiratory symptoms:

• Students with recently developed respiratory symptoms and/or general malaise must not attend school/after-school programmes, even if their symptoms are mild. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health's website provides up-to-date advice on sick adults and children.

• They should stay at home until they have recovered. Students and staff can return to school when they feel healthy and free from fever, even if they have some residual symptoms of respiratory infection (some nasal mucus, blocked nose and mild cough).

Students or staff in isolation or quarantine:

• It is assumed that students, parents/guardians and staff will not go to the school if they are in quarantine or isolation. The school is not responsible for identifying who needs to go into isolation or quarantine. For more information, visit the National Institute of Public Health’s website.

Practical Information

Some practical implications:

No parents or other visitors are allowed on school premises: both plagyround and school building - unless specific permission has been given by the Principal in advance.
Teachers and Administration are availabe to meet through Google Meet. Please contact the teacher or admin@birralee.no to set up an appointment.
To help our cleaning staff, children are asked to take all of their belongings (clothes) home every Friday

When should a student be tested?

If a student has a fever and cough, the student should be tested for Covid-19.

For Primary School Students: With only mild respiratory symptoms without fever, parents can monitor the child's condition at home for a few days. If the student recovers quickly, the student can return to school without a test when the general condition is good, even if they still have some symptoms of respiratory infection. If the student does not get better, contact with a doctor and possible testing is recommended.

For Middle School Students: Students with respiratory symptoms should follow the National Institute of Public Health's recommendations for testing. All students in Middle School and High School who have respiratory symptoms without a known cause must test themselves and stay at home until they have received an answer. In the event of a negative test, they can return to school when their general condition is good, even though they still have some symptoms of a respiratory infection.

Source: udir.no

Coronavirus Test

You can schedule a test for coronavirus either online or by telephone. If you submit the online form, you do not need to call the hotline. This only causes further delay.

You must login with BankID/MinID to use the form.

Note: You cannot use the form to schedule a test for coronavirus for your children, or if you do not have BankID/MinID. In these cases, you must call the coronavirus hotline: 905 09 052

Book Appointment Coronavirus Test

Useful Links

The latest advise and information in English from the Norwegian Health Authorities on the Coronavirus disease.

https://www.fhi.no/en/

The latest advise in English from Trondheim Municipality regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. https://www.trondheim.kommune.no/aktuelt/corona-information/