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pcr tests

Guidance regarding PCR tests that came into effect on 11 January 2022.

Temporary suspension of confirmatory PCR tests in education and childcare settings

Confirmatory PCR testing following a positive result on a lateral flow device (LFD) will be temporarily suspended from Tuesday 11th January 2022. This means that for all education and childcare settings, staff and students who have tested (either at home or through ATS) and reported a positive LFD result will no longer be advised to get a confirmatory PCR test. This change is informed by Public Health advice. With high COVID-19 rates, the risk of a positive LFD result being false is very small. We therefore do not need to ask people to do a confirmatory PCR unless they:

  • Have symptoms (in which case they need to follow the stay-at-home guidance, self-isolate and order a PCR test).
  • Wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment.
  • Have been advised to take a PCR test because they are in a clinically vulnerable group.
  • Have been advised to do so as part of a research or surveillance programme.

Click here for information on the new arrangements.

A reminder also regarding self-isolation

  • Staff and students who have tested positive should take a LFD test six days after their symptoms started (or the day of their positive test if they did not have symptoms) and another LFD test 24 hours later. If both test results are negative, and they no longer have symptoms, they may end their self-isolation immediately after the second negative test result.
  • Staff and students should stop testing after they have had two consecutive negative tests and can return to the Academy on day seven if they have tested negative in the morning.
  • Staff and students should stop testing and return to the Academy after the 10th day of isolation, even if they have a positive LFD test result - this is because they are unlikely to be infectious after the 10th day of their isolation period.
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