11 Jan 2022

New PCR rule from 11th January 2022

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Tuesday 11th January 2022

Temporary suspension of confirmatory PCR tests in education and childcare settings for asymptomatic adults and children

Confirmatory PCR testing following a positive result on a lateral flow device (LFD) when asymptomatic will be temporarily suspended from today, Tuesday 11th January. This means that for all education and childcare settings, staff and students who have tested and reported a positive LFD result will no longer be advised to get a confirmatory PCR test, unless they have symptoms.

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. There is now no need for 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). Please note, children under 5 must also have a PCR test if they have symptoms; children under 5 have lateral flow tests when close contacts (e.g. family members) have Covid-19 at the parents’ discretion. We are grateful to all those Nursery and Reception parents who are using lateral flow tests for their children under these circumstances.
  • 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

Education and childcare settings are not expected to trace contacts of a positive case as this will remain the responsibility of NHS Test and Trace. From today, Tuesday 11th January, contact tracing is triggered once a positive LFD test is reported. Anyone with a positive LFD test result should self-isolate and follow self-isolation guidance.

Information on the new arrangements can be found in the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.  We will also now update our Covid-19 risk assessment on the school website.

Thank you as always for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do phone the School Office and we will do our best to help.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Delany-White
Headteacher