Rapid COVID-19 testing starts in school
12 January 2021
As per all secondary schools across English, we have now received the lateral flow device test kits. This week, staff on site were invited to have their regular weekly tests followed next week by children of critical workers and vulnerable pupils who are in school.
Rapid testing helps identify those asymptomatic cases that might otherwise not be detected, causing the virus to spread further.
Whilst testing is being offered in school, Priory's dining room has been repurposed as the testing centre and Science technician, Mr Evans will be overseeing the procedures. Pupils in school during lockdown will be taken in pairs to the dining room and the test will be conducted by trained Priory staff, both of whom are former nurses. As soon as the test (which takes around 40 seconds) is completed, pupils will go back to class and continue with their school day.
Headteacher, Mr Eastham said: "All schools have been offered the opportunity to test staff and pupils from January, which we fully want to support and engage with to keep all those in our community as safe as possible. Along with the other protective measures we have in place in school, these tests will help staff and pupils attend school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms, so by taking part in the testing, we will help to stop the virus spread".
Positive test results will be known within 30 minutes of taking the test. Anyone testing positive will be notified immediately and parents asked to collect their child from school. We will not inform pupils if they test negative.
The facility will also allow pupils and staff who have been identified has being a close contact of a positive case to take a daily test, for 7 days, as an alternative to self-isolation. As long as their results are negative, they will be able to continue to access school as usual.
We can only allow those pupils whose parents have given consent to be tested so if you haven’t yet completed the online consent form can you please complete it by clicking on the link below.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the testing please contact Mr Gee, Assistant Headteacher, by email at n.gee@priory.lancs.sch.uk
Top image: Mr Evans and English teacher, Mrs Isherwood, preparing to take her test.
