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Approximately 1/3 of individuals with coronavirus are asymptomatic (meaning they themselves do not have symptoms, but can still pass it on to others).
Regular testing of people without symptoms is important, therefore, to help stop the virus spreading and thus protect your loved ones.
As lockdown restrictions gradually ease, we all need to play our part to help protect each other.
Home Testing
Over the next few days we will be distributing the next batch of home testing kits to all students. Students should continue testing every 5 days, even during the holiday period when they are not at school. The new box of tests contains 7 testing kits.
Lateral Flow Testing
Lateral Flow Testing
Our Asymptomatic Testing Site (ATS) has been fully operational since January, 2021. Our team of Health Care Assistants and fully trained staff volunteers provide Lateral Flow Testing for staff and students.
Under the new guidance, all students will be offered 3 onsite tests, each one between 3-5 days apart. Once these are completed, they will receive home test kits which should be used for the remainder of this module. Testing is not compulsory, but it is recommended as rapid testing helps to identify those asymptomatic cases that might otherwise not be detected, and which cause the virus to spread further.
Anyone with symptoms should not take a lateral flow test, but remain at home to self isolate and arrange for a PCR test.
The lateral flow test is very straightforward, self administered and easy to do; the results are available within 30 minutes. Guidance and support will be available onsite if needed whilst taking the test. If a positive result is recorded, the member of staff or student will be sent home to self isolate in accordance with government guidance.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a recent onset of any of the following:
a new continuous cough;
a high temperature;
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, arrange to have a PCR test if you have not already had one. Stay at home while you are waiting for a home self-sampling kit, a test site appointment or a test result. Do not use the rapid lateral flow testing service as this is only for people without symptoms.
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