Devon parents urged to let their children get tested for COVID-19 at school
The county's Director of Public Health says it will allow them to 'break the chain of transmission'
Devon's Director of Public Health is encouraging parents to allow their children to be tested for COVID-19 at school.
As children return to the classroom today (March 8), they will be given the option to take a lateral flow test twice a week.
Steve Brown says while it is not mandatory, he would urge all parents to give their consent:
"Testing students will enable us to identify those who have no symptoms, but are infectious, and so they can isolate immediately, as can their households. This will allow us to break the chain of transmission.
"If we don’t do this, there is a risk that COVID would be transmitted unknowingly within the school."
Mr Brown is also encouraging all parents of primary, secondary and college-age students, as well as parents with children in pre-schools and nurseries, to also get tested twice a week as well.
To find more information about how to get tested here.
Mr Brown confirmed that the recent decline in positive coronavirus cases in Devon has slowed.
Public Health Devon figures this week show case rates slightly higher in those aged over 80 and those aged 20 to 59. Case rates are currently highest in East Devon.