Regular coronavirus testing in NI schools announced

By Q Radio News

A programme of regular coronavirus testing has been announced for schools in Northern Ireland.

In a joint statement, the departments of health and education said initially, all post-primary staff and older students in Years 12-14 in schools and in Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) centres will be included.

Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests will be used.

Expansion of testing to other staff in primary and pre-school settings will be rolled out in later phases.

P1-P3 pupils returned to school last week while Years 12-14 are due to return on Monday March 22.

Testing for schools’ staff and pupils will be twice weekly three to four days apart using LFD tests. 

Older students in years 12-14 are included as prevalence of Covid-19 tends to be higher among this group. 

Education Minister Peter Weir said: “Today’s announcement is very welcome news and will provide a significant level of reassurance to schools, pupils and parents alike. 

“The roll out of this testing programme will provide reassurance for pupils and teachers that the risk of large groups of exam year classes having to isolate during this important period, will be considerably reduced.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Whilst the use of LFD tests is important as an additional measure, a negative LFD test result does not enable an individual to drop their guard and people should not change their behaviours.

“My Department is continuing to work with partners in government and industry on further expansion of our programme of regular asymptomatic testing which, alongside our vaccination and contact tracing programmes, will help balance the scales in our favour of success in the battle against Covid-19.”