COVID Testing Centre
You will no doubt be aware that Schools and Colleges across the country are beginning testing for those without coronavirus symptoms using new, quicker COVID 19 tests known as ‘Lateral Flow Devices’ or LFDs. Here, we set out more information about the testing programme at our Trust, which has been operational on our Trust’s main Canterbury Campus since Monday, 11th January 2021.
Alongside other protective measures we are taking, testing will allow us to take further steps to help both students and staff to remain more safely at school.
Up to one third of people who have coronavirus are asymptomatic. By testing we will help to reduce the spread in school settings through asymptomatic transmission. We are, therefore, strongly encouraging all of our secondary aged students currently attending school, and all members of staff working across our Trust sites, to be tested.
Please be assured that participation in testing is entirely a personal choice, voluntary and confidential. Information on who has and has not decided to take part will not be collated, tracked or shared in any way.
Additionally, current guidance advises that you should not do the LFD test if you have had a positive Covid-19 PCR test (at a NHS Testing Station, for example) in the last 90 days. The LFD may give a false positive result if you have recently had Covid-19.
If, however, you tested PCR positive for COVID-19 more than 90 days ago, then you are encouraged to be involved in the testing, since re-infection after 3 months has been described, although sporadically.
In terms of making people aware and preparing those who may engage in testing either now, or in the future, we have produced this short video to explain how the service operates. We hope you will find it both informative and reassuring.
If you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate Head of School.