Aberdeenshire secondary age pupils encouraged to self-test for Covid-19 before schools return

All pupils are being encouraged to test for Covid-19 two days before returning to school and twice weekly as the term gets underway.

A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council outlined the key points -

• Please test before returning to school: All school staff and secondary pupils are strongly encouraged to restart twice-weekly at-home Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing in the week prior to return. Ideally, please take your second weekly test either in the morning before you leave for your first day of school or the evening before.

• Please record your results: It is really important that you record your results online (https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result), whether positive, negative or void. This helps public health experts understand what levels of Covid-19 are, and can inform policy on things like mitigations in schools.

• Benefits of testing: Testing can help reduce the risks of Covid-19 outbreaks in schools. This, in turn, can help reduce the likelihood that staff or children and young people will have to self-isolate due to outbreaks.

• Accessing test kits: Many schools provided test kits to staff and pupils prior to the summer break, which can be used for these purposes. If any staff or pupils have not received test kits, they can access them in a range of different ways, including ordering online for home delivery, or collecting kits from your nearest test site or pharmacy.

They can also take a test at a local test site, which may be better for those who need assistance when testing.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/

• Vaccination: If your son/daughter is aged 16 or over after August 1, 2021, s/he is eligible for a vaccine and information can be accessed by going online and searching “NHS Inform #COVID-19 vaccine”.

"So as you look out your school shoes, pack your bag and prepare for those first day photos, please also remember to take a test and also to record the results of that test.

"We really appreciate everyone taking the time and trouble to support this important next phase."

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