I have received an update today from Public Health England about when and who should be tested. I have summarised it below for your information:

The Department for Education has worked closely with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS Test and Trace to ensure that they are doing all they can to minimise the potential risks of spread. A key part of this is testing to help identify people who are positive and then inform their contacts. They have made testing available throughout the country and anyone with symptoms can book a test online or over the telephone through 119 to get the certainty they need to protect themselves and those around them.

Their aim is that everyone with coronavirus symptoms has access to a test as soon as they develop those symptoms. However, if you do not have symptoms you should not have a test.

If someone feels unwell they need to get tested if:

• they develop one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms:
  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • the loss or change of their sense of taste or smell, or
• they are recommended to get tested by a healthcare provider (e.g. GP or nurse)

If someone develops one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms described above, only they should be tested. There is no need for their households to have a test, unless they also have symptoms. You must also be tested if instructed by the local authority, health protection team or your GP.

As schools return, children may feel unwell for example with a sore throat, stomach upset or a headache. These pupils don’t need to book a test but may need to stay off school or college and seek medical advice through their GP or pharmacist as usual. Please telephone or email us with the reason for your child being absent. Thank you.