Holy Cross High in Hamilton are to implement a new testing strategy which is being put in place as part of a package of Covid-19 risk reduction mitigations.
The Schools/ELC Asymptomatic testing programme is being set up in educational establishments across Scotland, with Holy Cross set to partake .
Head teacher John Reilly issued an information letter to parents explaining the process this week.
In the letter, sent via the school app, it explains that along with other protective measures implemented to keep the school community safe, regular testing of staff (and in secondary schools, senior phase pupils S4-S6) will help to further reduce risks for staff and children and young people.
It will do so by helping to identify asymptomatic individuals in school environments at the earliest possible opportunity, and asking them and their close contacts to self-isolate, minimising the likelihood of passing on the virus.
The regular testing is open to all who are regularly attending the school premises.
The testing programme also includes school-aged childcare staff and early learning and childcare (ELC) staff in settings that are attached to schools.
Mr Reilly explained: “Lateral testing is voluntary. No-one who is otherwise permitted to come to school will be prevented from doing so just because they do not wish to participate.
“However, we are strongly encouraging all school staff who are attending school to participate wherever possible, in order to contribute to the wellbeing of our school community.
“However, if staff or pupils are working or learning from home, they should not participate.
“This is because the programme is intended specifically to reduce risks in the school environment.”
Holy Cross are being provided with a supply of Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test kits by the Scottish Government and the UK Department of Health and Social Care for use at home.
Each participating staff member will then be given a supply of these test kits to take home.
Individuals will then test regularly at home, twice a week. The tests supplied do not require laboratory processing and can provide a quick result in around 30 minutes. Once the test has been conducted individuals must log the test result – whether positive, negative or void – online at www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result.
Mr Reilly added: “We intend to start distributing test kits to staff week commencing February 15, 2021. We will continue to support and communicate with our staff, pupils and school communities as we implement this programme.”
