Acute respiratory infections including COVID-19: guidance for special educational schools

As we move into autumn and winter we expect to see an increase in the circulation of acute respiratory infections (ARIs).

There has been an increase in COVID-19 case rates and hospital admissions in Wales, England and Scotland in recent weeks which is potentially concerning. This increase may be driven by changes to variants circulating including the detection of a new variant – BA.2.86.

We are unlikely to have a clear indication of the severity and transmissibility of this variant for several weeks, however there are precautions we can put in place now with the aim of limiting the spread of infections and impact on the health and care system.

We are continuing to monitor the epidemiology of BA.2.86 and considering possible options for additional precautionary measures.

Current advice is set out below.