25 March 2021
More than 10,000 Lateral Flow Tests have been taken in schools since they were introduced at the start of February.
Between 1 February and 17 March 10,618 Lateral Flow Tests were undertaken both by staff and students.
The number of cases of COVID-19 in all schools and colleges in the Island remains very low. The last reported case in a school community was a month ago, at the end of February.
However, although COVID-19 cases remain low, Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat has urged school staff and students to follow the public health guidelines and keep testing.
In a letter to schools, Dr Muscat said: “We know how little it takes to set all the good work back and none of us can afford to relax just yet.
“Every staff member in primary and secondary schools and colleges, as well as students in Years 11 and above, are, therefore, still being offered weekly Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) for Covid-19 on their school premises.
“Testing has always been a critical part of our pandemic response and it remains vital going forward, which is why it is important that we keep testing.”
Lateral Flow Testing (LFT), is designed to provide an additional layer of safety in schools by detecting asymptomatic cases to help keep schools open and children in continuous face-to-face learning.
The LFT tests are voluntary and offered weekly in schools in addition to the PCR tests for all staff undertaken every six weeks.
As part of the regular workforce testing programme, teachers and staff working in private and Government-provided nurseries, schools and colleges are encouraged to book their next PCR test, during the Easter school holidays, before they return to school in the new term.
Bookings can be made by calling 0800 735 5566.
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