NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for staff .

NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for staff .

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are working to keep our school as safe as possible. You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’.

Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and pupils to remain in school/college safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary, but I am encouraging everyone to take it.

We will be testing all staff who want to participate from this week, they will take a test Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Obviously if a member of staff tests positive then we will have to close that bubble in School at short notice; you will be advised of this by text message so please ensure we have the correct contact details for you.

We know these tests work – in validation studies conducted by Oxford University and Public Health England, they were shown to be as accurate in identifying a case as a PCR test (99.68% specificity). The tests have lower sensitivity but they are better at picking up cases when a person has higher viral load, hence the need to test frequently.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during these unprecedented times.

Mrs Charlton