COVID Testing – January 2022
Dear parents / carers
Essential reading for all parents / carer – current guidelines on COVID testing and isolation periods.
When to take a PCR test
If you have symptoms of COVID, you MUST isolate and take a PCR test. An LFD (rapid Lateral Flow Device) test is not suitable in this scenario. PCR testing is more sensitive and can detect COVID where it can be missed by an LFD test. You can book a PCR test using this link. If your child tests positive on a PCR test, please notify school using this form.
Asymptomatic testing
LFD tests are to be used for a-symptomatic testing. This means you can take an LFD test if you do not have any symptoms of COVID. This is an important method of detecting COVID as around one in three people will not show symptoms but can still spread COVID.
Close contact testing
You should also take a daily LFD test for up to 10 days if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID. This applies to anyone who does not have to isolate following a close contact e.g. adults who are fully vaccinated. This also applies to children aged 5-18.
Reporting a positive LFD result
If you test positive on an LFD test, you do not need to take a PCR test. You should report the positive LFD result on the government website at this link. If your child tests positive on an LFD, please notify school using this form.
Isolation following a positive COVID result
You must isolate for up to 10 days following a positive COVID test. You must not leave your house during this time. You can now end isolation on day 6 of isolation following a negative LFD test on day 5 and day 6 taken 24 hours apart. To see when you can end isolation, click this link.
Further information
For further information on the difference between LFD and PCR tests, please click here.
The full government guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID 19 infection can be found at this link.
If you have any questions or are unsure about what type of test your child should take, please call the office and we will help in any way we can.
Thank you
Miss Parnaby
Business Manager
