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Secondary students to get 3 Covid tests at school

There will be some flexibility about the return to secondary school from 8 March to allow for mass testing, DfE says
22nd February 2021, 3:37pm

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Secondary students to get 3 Covid tests at school

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Secondary studentsÌýshould be tested three times on site on their return to school, the government has announced.

Students will also be required to take one test at home on their return, the Department for EducationÌýsaid.

To allow for this, there will be some flexibility about the return to secondary school from 8 March, the DfE said.


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Twice weekly at-home testing will then be introduced for secondary students. Schools should retain a small testing site for those who find it difficult to test at home.

Coronavirus: At-home testing for secondary school students

Students can return to the classroom after their first negative test, the DfE said. There is no need for a follow-up PCR test if the initial test is conducted on-site. If pupils get a positive result, they must go home and self-isolate.

Last week it was reported thatÌýschools wouldÌýbe responsible for the mass testing of secondaryÌýstudents once on arrival.

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