Serial testing in schools and colleges in Wales
The Welsh Government has announced plans to roll out serial testing in schools and colleges from January.
Under this process, pupils and staff identified as close contacts would be asked to either self-isolate as normal or to take a lateral flow test (LFT) at the start of the school day for the duration of the self-isolation period.
Those who test negative would continue attending school as normal, those who test positive would be required to self-isolate and book a confirmatory test.
Schools and colleges will be offered support, equipment and training. All staff working in special schools will be offered weekly testing.
Lateral flow testing detects the presence of the Covid-19 viral antigen from a swab sample.
LFTs are handheld devices which produce results within 20 to 30 minutes, with the potential to be self-administered.
The Welsh Government intends to roll out testing to all schools and further education settings, including primary and childcare staff. However, in order to ensure there is a model that works and is safe, the roll out will be phased on levels of risk starting with secondary schools and further education settings.
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