You may be aware that the Government have introduced another protective measure to help fight COVID’19. Below is some of the important parts taken from the guidance.

From 1^st March 2021, if you are a member of a household, childcare bubble or support bubble of staff or a pupil you can get a twice-weekly test:

·       through your employer if they offer testing to employees

·       at a local test site

·       by collecting a home test kit from a test site

·       by ordering a home test kit online

THESE TESTS ARE FOR OVER 18s ONLY (unless you have children in secondary schools)

Get a test through your employer

·       Your workplace may offer rapid lateral flow testing to you. Contact your employer to find out more.

Take a test at a rapid lateral flow test site - Find your nearest rapid lateral flow test site

·       You can take a rapid lateral flow test at a local site.

·       Testing at these sites is assisted, which means you will swab yourself under the supervision of a trained operator.

·       You may need to book an appointment.

Collect test kits - Find your nearest home test kit collection point.

·       You can collect 2 packs of home test kits at a local collection point.

·       Each pack contains 7 tests.

·       Anyone 18 or over can collect.

·       You can check online if the location is busy before you go.

Order home test kits online - Order rapid lateral flow home test kits

·       If you cannot get tested at your workplace, or are unable to go to a test site or collect test kits, you can order a home test kit online.

·       Do not order online if you can get a test through other methods. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most.

What twice-weekly testing involves

·       You will be asked to:

o   take a test twice a week (every 3 or 4 days apart)

o   report every result to NHS Test and Trace on the same day you take the test

o   Report your test result online or by calling 119

Positive and Negative Results from Home Test Kits

·       If anyone tests positive or gets coronavirus symptoms, they should let tell their school and:

o   self-isolate immediately

o   get a PCR test [Full NHS Test] to confirm the result

o   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:

o   regular handwashing

o   social distancing

o   wearing a face covering where recommended

I hope you find this information useful and you may wish to sign up to get some tests kits. As a school staff have been taking part in lateral flow testing and we have found these ‘home testing kits’ very useful since they were introduced at February half term for Primary Schools.

Many thanks and do keep safe and well.

Mrs Tippen