Llanelli college issues parents notice confirming student tested positive for Covid-19

COLEG Sir Gar in Llanelli has issued a letter to parents stating that an individual student has tested positive for Covid-19. The letter on their website relates to 2nd year A Level students.

The letter reads as follows:

Urgent message from the principal 18 September 2020
Important message for all parents/guardians of A2 learners (2nd year A-Level)
Dear Parent / Guardian,
Very late last night, the College was informed that an individual studying on the second year of A levels (A2) at our College has tested positive for COVID-19. We would like to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for concern and provide you with as much information as possible.
We are working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) and are following all the advice and guidance provided to us.
Late last night, we asked all A2 learners to switch to online learning today as a precaution. The TTP Team are contacting individual students and staff members to confirm whether a period of self-isolation is required for 14 days.
This process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and where Colleges follow these guidelines carefully, there is no cause for alarm.
In terms of next week (w/b 21st September 2020), A2 learners will continue to receive lessons online as planned.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:
• A new continuous cough and/or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.
If your son or daughter becomes unwell outside of College hours, with or without any of the COVID-19 symptoms or needs to self-isolate, please report this to us by calling Delta Wellbeing on 0300 333 2222 or by emailing TTP@deltawellbeing.org.uk who will notify the College on your behalf.
During College hours and for all other health-related issues please inform the College directly.
If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.
It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.
We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Llanelli Online were contacted by a concerned parent of a child studying at the college today. The parent who did not wish to be named said that they questioned the track and trace process at the college and were referred to Delta Wellbeing, a call centre. The parent claims they were told that the call centre were unaware of the incident but referred them to the County Council. When the parent contacted the council they claim they were told again that they had no idea about the incident and that as it was late Friday afternoon, the person usually dealing with enquiries had gone home.The parent also relayed concerns over what they claim is a relaxed attitude to wearing of masks and movement of students.
We contacted Delta Wellbeing and we were told that we should wait until we were contacted by the track and trace team and in the meantime to check for signs and symptoms and call 111 or 119.

We contacted Nia Griffith MP and relayed the concerns of the parent. The MP said that she would be contacting the college and county council to find out what measures were in place.

We have contacted Carmarthenshire County Council, Coleg Sir Gar and Hywel Dda university Health Board for a comment.