Secondary pupils in North Lanarkshire are being asked to take at-home COVID-19 tests before they return to school to limit the spread of infection in the school community.

Pupils should do a lateral flow device (LFD) test the night before (Sunday 9 January) or on the morning of the return (Monday 10 January) to classes.

After that, testing should be done twice weekly.

All LFD test results - positive, negative or void – should be recorded via the online portal.

Staff in schools and early learning and childcare settings should follow the same advice.

If a pupil tests positive, they should isolate for 10 days.

Following new government guidance, from Thursday 6 December, pupils can end isolation after seven days if they return two consecutive negative LFD tests, one on day six and the other 24 hours later, if they have no fever.

If a positive pupil has symptoms (a fever, new continuous cough, or loss of sense of taste or smell), the advice has not changed – isolate for 10 days and book a PCR test.

Parents/carer should inform the school if your child has a positive test for Covid-19.

Councillor Frank McNally, Convener of Education and Families, said: “We have had huge support from communities across North Lanarkshire during these challenging times and are doing all we can to ensure the impact the pandemic is having on our day-to-day lives is kept to an absolute minimum.

“The best way to avoid further disruption to our children’s education is through regular testing.”

Anyone who receives a positive LFD test result, those with symptoms, or those identified as close contacts should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test.

Derek Brown, Executive Director of Education and Families, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve had from pupils, parents/carers and staff throughout the pandemic.

“However, to keep disruption in our schools and education centres to a minimum it’s essential that secondary pupils and all staff to continue to test regularly to help prevent outbreaks of the virus.

“It’s also important that all results are reported online whether positive, negative or void.”

Additional information:

LFD tests should only be used if you don’t have symptoms.

You must not use a LFD test if you:

• have symptoms - you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test 
• have been asked to self-isolate because you are a close contact of a positive case. You must self-isolate and book a PCR test 

All LFD test results should be recorded via the online digital reporting portal

If you receive a positive LFD test result, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.