It is vital that staff and students continue to test twice weekly in order to identify asymptomatic cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and prevent the spread of the virus - we need parental support to continue doing so. Please ensure you continue to report any positive LFD results to school.
The Prime Minister has said: “I want to thank everybody for continuing to follow the guidance, and to thank parents and families for the incredible work you’re doing to help test pupils through the Easter holidays and to encourage you to keep testing them twice a week as schools return.”
At the end of March, NHS Test and Trace reintroduced confirmatory PCR testing for positive lateral flow device (LFD) tests. This means that all staff and students who get a positive LFD test, whether at home or supervised at school, should get a confirmatory PCR. The PCR test should be booked immediately either online or by calling 119 and should be undertaken within 2 days of the positive LFD result.
Staff and students who had a positive LFD test result, and their close contacts and other members of their household, should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance and while awaiting the PCR result. If the PCR test is negative, it overrides the LFD test and the staff or student can return to school, and their close contacts can also end their self-isolation.