Parents encouraged to allow their children to be tested for COVID-19 at school
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, is encouraging parents to give their consent to allow their children to be tested for coronavirus at school.
“The first step in the government’s roadmap starts next week with all students returning to schools and colleges,” he said.
“Students are going to be asked to take a lateral flow test twice a week, and while it’s not mandatory, I really encourage all parents to consent for their children to be tested twice a week.
“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-19 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, visit devon.cc/testing.
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.
“As restrictions do start to lift, it’s so important that we continue to follow the national lockdown measures and stay at home and only go out if it is absolutely essential. If you do go out, remember: wear your face covering when you’re in a public place indoors, keep social distance from one another, and wash your hands regularly,” he said.
