Hampshire pupils reminded to test for Covid after half term break
Secondary school and college students are asked to do lateral flow tests
Hampshire County Council is reminding pupils to test for Covid before they go back tomorrow (1 November) after the half term break.
Secondary school and college students without symptoms are asked to do lateral flow tests - due to concerns over cases rising locally.
Primary age children or younger who do not have symptoms do not need to test at home.
Other members of their household should test regularly if they are an adult, or a child of secondary school age or older.
People with symptoms should book a PCR test.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services said: “As the number of positive cases rises both locally and nationally, so we are asking our school communities – children, young people, parents, carers and staff – to keep testing regularly to help prevent further spread of the virus.
"Lateral flow device tests are readily available, come with clear instructions, and can be completed in minutes.
"Keeping our children in school is vital for their progress and wellbeing – let’s get the second half of this term off to a healthy start.”
Where to get asymptomatic test kits
• Anyone can access free, rapid lateral flow device (LFD) test kits for themselves and their families to use twice a week.
• You can get rapid lateral flow test kits sent directly to your home, for details visit www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or call 119.
• Kits can also be collected from participating pharmacies across the county: check the NHS website for your nearest collection site and opening times.
• You can also take a rapid test through the supervised testing offer in pharmacies – go online for more details and a list of participating pharmacies at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/coronavirus/test-and-trace
What to do after taking a test without symptoms
• If the result is positive, book a confirmatory PCR test as soon as possible and check the latest self-isolation guidance to understand the steps to be followed.
• If the test is negative, continue to follow preventative measures for stopping the spread of the virus including wearing a face covering in crowded spaces, washing your hands frequently with soap and hot water, and letting fresh air indoors whenever possible.
• There is more information about test results and what to do on the NHS website.
Any adult or child of any age with symptoms of COVID-19 should get a PCR test at a symptomatic testing site: book a test online or call 119.