Lateral Flow Testing
The College is setting up Lateral Flow Testing (see more details below) for learners and staff who are not showing any symptoms of Covid-19 (asymptomatic). Our test facility will be available to staff and learners from week commencing 18 January.
This will initially be for those staff and learners who are attending the college site during the lockdown period, the testing will be rolled out to all once lockdown has ended and we all start returning to the college sites.
We have been asked to set up Lateral Flow Testing by the Government as part of their efforts to identify cases and break the chain of transmission which can take place when individuals are unaware they may be carrying the illness.
Lateral Flow Testing takes a sample of saliva and nasal mucus via a swab. Results are known in less than 30 minutes. If someone receives a positive lateral flow test result they will be informed via the NHS Track and Trace system (a text message and email will be sent to them).
They would then need to self-isolate and arrange for a confirmatory swab test to be completed via the national Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) testing programme and formal testing centres.
The College does have a supply of home-test kits and where possible these will be provided, in these cases. If your coronavirus test result is positive this means it is likely you were infectious when the test was done.
Once you have the results of your home-kit test or swab test undertaken at a community test centre, you must inform your tutor of the result who will advise when you can then return to the college sites. Confirmed positive result cases must self-isolate immediately for 10 days and everyone you live with must self-isolate for 14 days. Only leave home for your follow-up test. Use 111 online or call 111 if you need medical help. In an emergency dial 999.
Lateral Flow Testing is different from the tests already available to anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus. People with these symptoms – a new continuous cough, loss of or change in sense of taste or smell, or a high temperature – should continue to self-isolate as per previous guidance, and book a Covid-19 test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
During the lockdown period, we have identified a self-contained area at City campus to carry out the testing, it is not compulsory for learners to be tested; it is purely voluntary but will ensure there is a reduced need for everyone to self-isolate, particularly for close-contact cases.
You can view the Covid-19 Testing Privacy Statement here (PDF) and please ask parents/carers to take a look at this.
