Covid-19 test recommendation for secondary school pupils

With the new school year starting in early September, it is recommended that all secondary school pupils undertake lateral flow testing before their first day back.

Many pupils will already have lateral flow tests at home, having used them before schools broke up in July.

However, for all new Year 7 pupils who would not have been able to access stocks in schools previously, and any other pupils who have run out of supplies, it is recommended that parents, carers, or pupils, collect the tests from either local testing sites, local pharmacies or order them online for home delivery.

Lateral flow tests are only for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms.

Pupils are recommended to take two lateral flow tests, three days apart during the week leading up to their first day back.

Within Bridgend County Borough, lateral flow tests can be collected seven days a week from 8am to 1pm at the long-term testing facility in the Bowls Hall car park of the Bridgend Life Centre. No booking is necessary.

For details on how to order home delivery of tests or to find a local pharmacy where you can collect them visit the Welsh Government website.

Pupils who have tested positive for Covid-19 via a PCR test in the last 90 days are not recommended to take a lateral flow test at this time.

Pupils who take the lateral flow tests prior to the start of the school year will help reduce the likelihood of outbreaks of Covid-19 in our schools and onwards transmission in our communities.

The aim is to quickly identify those who are unknowingly carrying the virus so that they can self-isolate. Many people with Covid-19 have mild, or even no symptoms, but can still spread the virus.

Self-testing for Covid-19 is simple, quick and can be carried out at home without the need to attend a test centre or post samples to a lab for analysis. The tests are easy to use and give results in 30 minutes. If the test is positive you should self-isolate, and book a PCR test. Schools will continue to provide lateral flow tests during term-time.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Charles Smith