With two types of tests available for school pupils it can be confusing which one parents or carers should use and whether or not they should keep their child off school if they have symptoms.
To help we thought it would be useful to provide some general advice for those who are worried if they’re doing the right thing.
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My child has symptoms – which test should I use?
The main thing to remember is if your child has symptoms they should stay at home and get a PCR test at your nearest testing centre. You can check out how to arrange this here https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by telephoning 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free). If you have hearing or speech difficulties: call 18001119
They should stay at home even if they’ve had a negative LFD test and have a PCR test as soon as possible.
A negative test result does not remove the risk of transmission.
In some cases, someone who has tested negative may still have the undetected disease and be infectious. It is therefore essential that everyone continues to follow good hygiene and observe social distancing measures whether or not they have been tested.
My child has no symptoms – which test should I use?
No symptoms means they should continue with the regular LFD testing. This will only change if they or a member of their family has symptoms or are contacted by Test and Trace to ask you to self-isolate due to close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Here’s some Q&As that you might find useful if you have any more questions about which test you or your family should be using.
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