We have received a number of queries today about Covid testing and isolation times.

CLOSE CONTACTS - if your child is a close contact of a positive case, e.g. a parent or sibling at home, they can still attend school as long as they have had a negative lateral flow test each day. Please lateral flow test your child each day for 7 days if they are a close contact. If they test positive, you must book a PCR test. If your child shows symptoms of Covid at any point, you must book a PCR test. Please do not send your child to school if they are showing symptoms of Covid. If you are unable to test your child for any reason, either as a close contact or if they have symptoms, they must isolate for a full 10 days.

ISOLATION TIMES - following a positive test, a lateral flow test can be taken on Day 6 and Day 7. If both tests are negative, your child can return to school. These tests must be taken 24 hours apart. If you are not able to test your child, they must isolate for the full 10 days.

TYPES OF TEST - lateral flow testing can be done at home, and results are shown within 30 minutes. PCR tests are done at test centres (e.g. William Street Coach Park) and are sent away. Results are sent to you via text message and/or email usually within 24-48 hours.