Information for Parents Covid 19 Testing Changes

Dear parents/ carers

 

Today the governments advice on Covid 19 testing has changed. Please see below the key important changes and where you can find out more information.

 

If you get a positive rapid lateral flow test (LFT) test result, most people will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result. You must self-isolate immediately if you get a positive lateral flow device (LFT) test result.

 

From 11 January in England, people who receive a positive lateral flow test (LFT) test results for coronavirus (COVID-19) will be required to self-isolate immediately and will not be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK. Whilst levels of COVID-19 are high, the vast majority of people with positive LFT results can be confident that they have COVID-19.

 

People who have a positive LFT test result should only have a follow-up PCR test if:

• they have a health condition that means they may be suitable for new coronavirus (COVID-19) treatments
• they are taking LFT tests as part of research or surveillance programmes, and the programme asks them to do so
• they have a positive day 2 LFD test after arriving in England

Under this new approach, anyone who receives a positive LFT test result should report their result on GOV.UK and must self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a follow-up PCR test. After reporting a positive LFD test result, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace so that their contacts can be traced and must continue to self-isolate.

 

For more information online please view below. 

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact NHS 111 or 119 service for advice.