Dr Ivan Muscat said that it was important adults could spot the difference between a cold and Covid-19 to ensure that children did not needlessly suffer further disruption to their education.
In the letter, Dr Muscat said that it was ‘common for colds and similar viral infections to circulate’ and that in most cases the child would be well enough to attend class.
But he stressed that children displaying the three main symptoms of Covid-19 – a new continuous cough, a fever/high temperature and a change or loss in smell and/or taste – should isolate at home and the parent or carer should phone the coronavirus helpline on 445566 to receive advice and arrange a test.
Diarrhoea and vomiting can also be a symptom of Covid-19 and is more common in children than adults, said Dr Muscat.
He added: ‘It is essential that pupils who have Covid-19 symptoms do not attend school, nursery or other childcare settings, and must self-isolate along with all members of their household.
‘Children who share a household with an individual who has Covid symptoms should also stay at home pending investigation of the symptomatic individual.
‘If the test on the symptomatic individual is negative, self-isolation can end for everyone. If the test is positive, the contact-tracing team will contact you and give you further advice.
‘If, however, your child does not have any of the three main symptoms of Covid-19 but has other cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they do not need to be tested and they and you do not need to self-isolate. Your child can go to school if fit to do so.’
