Message From the Director of Education re COVID19 and Mass Testing - Update 15/12/20
Good afternoon Headteacher/Principal,
Apologies for making contact so soon after the briefing this morning but we have received further information concerning the proposed move to mass testing in schools. Please find this attached. I will keep you further updated when we have more information. Please also find attached notes from the LA/Heads reps meeting last Friday.
Please also see below a message from Public Health London which says that asymptomatic staff/pupils can be tested at local testing stations.
Best wishes
Peter Nathan, Director of Education
“Message sent on behalf of Dr Anita Jolly, Public Health Consultant, PHE London Covid-19 Team
Dear Director,
Eligibility extension for in-person testing sites to include asymptomatic testing
With rising case rates in London we have been advised by the Department of Health that in-person symptomatic testing channels – regional test sites, local test sites and routinely scheduled MTUs – will accept asymptomatic individuals who wish to get tested. Individuals can book via the portal by selecting the ‘my council has asked me to get a test’ and booking is essential.
Based on the current epidemiological picture this additional testing is focussed on secondary school aged children and young people, and their families/household contacts. Therefore DHSC is asking that this be promoted through schools only and not via wider local authority channels. At the time of writing we understand that this testing will be available up to and beyond the end of term and we will let you know if this changes.
London Directors of Public Health have been informed of this development and Sophia Looney, DHSC regional senior convener (cc’d), will be happy to answer questions about this.
Kind regards
Dr Anita Jolly FFPH
Public Health Consultant
PHE London Covid-19 Team