Testing For Covid-19

LFD - Lateral Flow Testing at home. When to use LFD tests or a PCR test. (Whole School - 04/05/2021)

Lateral Flow Tests are now available for anyone in the UK to test for COVID-19. LFD tests are being used to test for people who do not have symptoms of Coronavirus. About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others.Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. LFD tests will give you a result within 30 minutes of testing. It important to highlight that LFD tests are only to be used for testing where a person does not have COVID-19 symptoms. If you do have a positive LFD test you and your household should self isolate and follow the government guidance and arrange a PCR test as soon as possible to confirm the result.

What to do If you have symptoms of COVID-19

If you or anyone else in your household develop symptoms of Covid-19 you and your household must self-isolate and arrange a PCR test. LFD tests should not be used as an alternative to a PCR test if you have symptoms.

Get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough. This is 3 or more episodes of coughing within a 24 hour period.
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You and anyone you live with should stay at home until you get your test result. You should only leave your home to have a test. Anyone in your childcare or support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

Please do not send your child to school if they have a new and continuous cough, a high temperature or change in sense of smell. Your household should self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test. Please inform the school if you or anyone in your household are self isolating due to showing symptoms or as result of a positve LFD test.

Thank you.