Pupils urged to test for Covid before returning to school after half term
Young people are being urged to do a rapid Covid test before they return to school after the half term to prevent more new infections.
The UK Health Security Agency says cases among 10 to 19-year-olds are currently the highest of any age group.Free lateral flow kits can be collected from local pharmacies if pupils do not already have them at home.Anyone who has Covid symptoms or tests positive should isolate and get a confirmatory PCR test as quickly as possible.
Rapid testing and appropriate isolation can break chains of transmission and prevent the spread of the virus, especially as we enter the winter months.Its chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: "I am calling on all children to help themselves and each other by getting tested before going back to the classroom so that we can stop the infection in its tracks and keep as many children in the classroom as possible, continuing their education and developing their futures.
"I want to once again thank all our teachers and those who work in schools who are working so hard to help keep children safe." Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: "As we start the countdown to Christmas, testing regularly and getting vaccinated is the best thing we can all do to protect education and make sure we can enjoy the best of the season - whether that's the school nativity or the family gathering over the holidays."
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