Calls For Pupils And Staff To Take Covid Tests Before Schools Reopen 

Secondary school pupils and staff are being encouraged to get a COVID-19 test before schools in the region reopen next week. 

National guidelines call for staff and secondary school pupils to take a lateral flow device (LFT) test one to two days before returning to school.

This should then be followed by regular twice-weekly testing.

Public Health Consultant Dr Andrew Rideout said: “We’ve recently seen an increase in COVID-19 cases within the region, and Dumfries and Galloway has moved up towards the upper end of positivity rates within Scotland. 

“This is not what we had hoped for, and it comes as we prepare for the reopening of schools which have already been so badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Testing meanwhile provides a means to help protect not just people and communities, but also essential services such as education. 

“The national directions state that staff returning to secondary schools and all pupils should take an LFD test one to two days before returning. 

“They should then continue taking twice-weekly tests. 

“In the first instance, this will help identify cases before term restarts, helping to avoid the coronavirus being introduced into schools.  

“Ongoing testing will help identify any subsequent cases, especially those where there might not be any symptoms for that person. 

“LFD testing kits are easily available from a variety of sources, including local pharmacies, by ordering over the phone, or from the various testing facilities across the region. 

“It’s really important once someone has taken a test that they record the results. 

“For full information on all the opportunities around testing, please visit www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/  

“Our schools and pupils have been through so much disruption, and it’s really important that we try and see the new term begin with as little impact from COVID as possible. 

“We’d therefore ask everyone to undertake these quick and simple tests to help provide that assurance.” 

Noting that younger cohorts are now able to receive a COVID vaccination, Dr Rideout added: “Vaccination is an important part of our armoury against on-going COVID infections, and is now available to young people aged 16 and 17 year old at clinics across the region. 

“Details on vaccination opportunities including drop-in clinics are available on the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/ “ 

Dumfries and Galloway Council Education Committee Chairman Councillor Jeff Leaver said: “Our Headteachers are looking forward to reopening our schools and having classrooms full of young people again. The Scottish Government has updated their guidance which means that no longer will whole classes have to self-isolate following the identification of a positive case. This is very good news.  

“However, coupled with this is the need for all young people to be vigilant and observe the mitigations within our schools. Regular, asymptomatic testing will enhance the confidence of our school communities by helping to identify cases of COVID early.  

“LFD tests are widely available from locations across our region of they can be requested online and sent directly to your home.   

“Testing is everyone’s responsibility. We want our schools to be safe places for all our staff and young people to teach and learn in.”