Rapid lateral flow testing for households and bubbles of school pupils and staff
We thought it would be helpful to provide an update on the latest government information on wider testing of households with pupils at school.
As you are aware our pupils will not be asked to test at this time as primary school pupils are not being tested.
This week the government has announced that all adults in households with primary school, secondary school and college age children, including childcare and support bubbles, can test themselves twice every week at home as schools return from Monday 8th March.
Children of primary school age (and below) without symptoms are not being asked to take a test.
Around one in three people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still pass it on to others. Regular testing of people without symptoms (asymptomatic testing) is important to help stop the virus spreading.
Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.
As a school we cannot give test kits to parents, carers or household members. You will need to organise your own tests, and this can be done via a number of options detailed below. Please be aware that further options are being explored, but for the moment you can organise a test as set out below:
- Via employers if they offer testing to employees
- At a local test site. Find your nearest rapid lateral flow test site
- By collecting a home test kit from a test site. You can check online if the location is busy before you go. Find your nearest home test kit collection point. Our local points are Wroughton Park and Ride and Board Green at present. Check the website for opening times and to see if the location is open or busy before you go on Find a test centre (test-and-trace.nhs.uk)
You do not need to make an appointment
- By ordering a home test kit online. Please do not order online if you can get a test through other methods. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most. Order rapid lateral flow home test kits
Who can collect tests? Anyone over 18 years old
How many test kits can I collect? 2 test kits, each containing 7 tests
Click here for a You tube instruction video on how to take a test
The test will come with instructions on reporting test results. If anyone tests positive or gets coronavirus symptoms, they should tell the school and:
· self-isolate immediately
· get a PCR test to confirm the result
· follow the stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
A negative result means the test did not find signs of coronavirus. But this does not guarantee you do not have coronavirus, so you should keep following all coronavirus advice including:
· regular handwashing
· social distancing
· wearing a face covering where recommended (children aged 11 and over)
There is also more guidance here on who can be tested and how you can get a test.
We have shared with you all the information we have at this time. We will of course forward any further information as we receive it.
updated following new advice received 10.3.2021