Students and teachers in Atherstone urged to keep up twice weekly Covid tests

Students and teachers in Atherstone are being urged to keep up twice weekly Covid-19 testing to reduce the risks of disruption to exams and the end of the academic year.

It's recommended that young people attending secondary school or college take a lateral flow test (LFT) at home every 3-4 days. The tests identify young people who may have no symptoms but are still infectious.

Students can either use home test kits provided by their school or college, or collect them from venues across Warwickshire after finding a local site online here.

Dr Shade Agboola, Director for Public Health Warwickshire, said: "I am sure many students are really looking forward to the end of their exams and onward to the end of term. However, we need to make sure we get there safely by continuing to get regularly tested for Covid-19 and following the guidance - social distancing, washing your hands, wearing a face covering, and letting in plenty of fresh air when indoors.

"Covid-19 is still here and is likely to be with us for some time. By getting regularly tested, we are able to control the spread of the virus and minimise its disturbance to our lives and the futures of our young people. It is only by working together that we can keep everyone safe, reduce the potential impact of coronavirus on exam results, and continue on the Government's roadmap out of lockdown."

Since re-opening on the 8 March, Warwickshire's state-funded schools have seen a strong attendance rate with average attendance reaching nearly 92 per cent. Warwickshire's primary school pupil attendance has similarly achieved an average attendance rate of 94 per cent.

If students have to miss exams at the end of the academic year due to Covid-19, schools will be following the national guidance provided and use evidence from across the duration of a student's course to determine their grade rather than rely on a single assessment.