Salisbury school to take part in mass Covid-19 testing programme
Just four schools across the country are doing it.
South Wilts Grammar School will be taking part in a new mass testing programme for Covid-19.
They are going to be trialling a scheme that has been specifically designed for schools.
It's hoped these tests will allow scientists to see how well it works within a school environment, how easy it is to use and how effectively it can be tested across large numbers of people in a short space of time.
Within minutes, it will tell an individual is carrying the virus, even if they are not symptomatic.
Testing will take place on students, with parental consent, and teachers as well.
Headteacher Michele Chilcott sent a letter to parents over the weekend:
"I believe that those who do choose to participate will see the benefit in terms of added certainty and reassurance as we head into the half term holiday. I myself will be participating.
We are very pleased to have been invited to participate in this important research which could ultimately improve all of our lives by allowing COVID-19 cases to be more quickly identified and, in that way, play a vital role in how we combat COVID-19."
It's believed the first round of the trial took place today (Wednesday 21st October) and continues tomorrow.
Salisbury MP John Glen tweeted to say that it was "great" South Wilts had been chosen:
You can see a full copy of the letter on the South Wilts Grammar School website.