How testing will work when older pupils return to schools
ALL secondary pupils in year 10 and above will be offered twice weekly asymptomatic coronavirus tests when their classrooms open again. Staff will also be offered tests.
Three to seven-year olds started to return to school last week. The Welsh Government has said older pupils can return from March 15, depending on the situation with the pandemic and NHS, but that’s likely to only be exam years and may be part time.
When they do return those aged 14 and up will be “strongly encouraged” to take the voluntary two weekly lateral flow tests, which give rapid results.
As well as supplies of tests being sent to schools and colleges to hand out to learners and staff they will also be available to all education and childcare settings, including nurseries and pupil referral units. But twice weekly routine testing is only being offered to over 14s.
We asked the Welsh Government how testing in schools and colleges will work. These are its answers.
What is asymptomatic testing?
Testing people for coronavirus who are not displaying any of the normal symptoms to see if they are unknowingly carrying the virus.
Why are you offering these tests in schools and colleges?
To quickly identify those who are unknowingly carrying the virus so that they can self-isolate. This will prevent people catching the virus and reduce the amount of close contacts who have to self-isolate reducing the impact that coronavirus has on face to face education.
These tests will also help give a much clearer picture of what is really happening in our schools
and settings and provide reassurance to the wider community.
It is recognised that asymptomatic testing is likely to lead to an increase in case rates initially, however this increase is likely to decline once positive cases are isolated and transmission chains are broken.
I thought you said schools and colleges were safe?
There is still no evidence to suggest widespread transmission in our schools and colleges but there is no way of knowing where transmission may occur outside of the regulated classroom environment. It is with this in mind that we are extending the offer of regular, twice weekly, Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) at home to include all those in upper secondary school and college learners.
While twice weekly testing help us prevent the spread in the community, it is important that we all continue to follow the guidance around managing the risks of coronavirus.
How will the tests be handed out?
Lateral Flow Devices will be given to schools, colleges and childcare settings to hand out to those eligible to take part so they can take a test for coronavirus at home twice a week.
Is testing voluntary?
Yes, but people eligible are “strongly encouraged to take up the offer” to further reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission.
How often should I take the test?
It is recommended that the tests are taken twice weekly ie. two tests three to four days apart per week. It is for the individuals and the individual settings to make appropriate arrangements for the days on which tests are undertaken.
When should I take the test?
It is strongly recommended that tests are taken before you attend the setting in the morning. The further way from attendance at your setting the less representative the test result will be of your current infection state.
How quickly are results shown? LFDs provide a result within 30 minutes and don’t require a laboratory to process.
What happens if my test is positive? You must self-isolate according to the guidance in order to prevent further transmission of the virus.
You will need to record the result via the online results portal you will have been given.
It is strongly recommended that pupils/learners seek the support of their parents/guardians.
Notify your household members of the result and ask them to start selfisolating as soon as possible.
You will also have to notify your schools, college or setting.
Those that work in childcare settings will also need to notify Care Inspectorate Wales.
Confirm the positive result by arranging a PCR test at a testing centre as soon as possible. You can arrange a test by booking online or by calling 119.
In the meantime, you must follow the self-isolation guidance and selfisolate for 10 days, as will all members of your household. This should start immediately from the LFD positive test result.
What if it’s negative?
If the test result is negative, you will need to record this via the online results portal but no further action is required and you can continue your day as usual. All results must be recorded.
Do I have to take a test in order to attend school/college?
No. The purpose of this testing offer is to try and quickly find those who are carrying the virus without displaying any symptoms and ask them to selfisolate. This will reduce disruption to face to face education.
For individuals who do not wish to participate in twice weekly testing, they are able to attend the setting providing they have not come into contact with a positive case, developed symptoms or received a positive Covid-19 test result outside the setting’s testing programme.
Do I have to tell my school/college the results?
Once the individual understands the testing process and has read a privacy notice, if they choose to participate they are committing to self-administer the test and provide their results. Education and childcare settings should ensure that individuals provide their results (positive, negative or void) to the NHS via the results portal. Results should also be shared with their workplace to support local contact tracing.
Who is eligible for these tests?
All staff working in childcare and education settings are eligible for testing.
All secondary school pupils in year 10 and above (aged 14 and up) and all further education learners.
What if I have symptoms?
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should arrange to have a polymerise chain reaction (PCR) test you can book online or by calling 119 and not use the lateral flow device (LFD) test.
How will the testing work?
Education and childcare settings will be supplied with at home Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test kits which individuals will be able to use twice weekly three to four days apart before coming in, ideally in the morning.
The LFDs supplied do not require laboratory processing and can provide a quick result in about 30 minutes. Testing is not mandatory for individuals and they will not need to produce a negative test result, or provide proof of having taken a test, to return to work in person. However, testing is strongly encouraged.
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I have been vaccinated should I still take the tests?
Yes, the LFD test confirms if you are infectious to other people. Current scientific advice is that vaccinated individuals should still take part in the same way as anyone who has not been vaccinated.
This will be kept under review and any changes will be communicated through the schools and settings leads.
How do I do the test?.
Training is not required, the tests can be self-administered and come with clear instructions, but in summary:
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly; remove the test (being careful not to touch the soft part); open your mouth wide. Use the swab to rub the back of your throat firmly four times on each side; remove the swab without touching teeth, tongue or gums; gently place it in your nostrils, (2.5 cm inside) and rub the swab along the lining of your nostril four to five times; remove (being careful the swab doesn’t touch anything); place it in the tube for testing for 30 minutes and await the result (a coloured line will appear if positive); wash hands thoroughly after disposing of the test
Each time an individual takes a test they need to record the result via the online results portal (which can be accessed via a smartphone) or by the phone number provided in the test kit. This needs to be done each time a test is take regardless of whether the result is negative or positive
Are the tests at school and college provided free of charge?
Yes. There is no charge for the tests. How will they get supplies?
Initially all schools, colleges, alternative provision and registered childcare settings that are open will be sent tests kits.
The school or setting will manage the collection of tests (seven in a box for staff and three in a box for pupils/ learners) to individuals who would like to take part in regular testing.