A primary school in Bolton is giving PCR Covid tests to every family as part of the surge testing happening in the town.
With growing concerns over the rising case numbers linked to the Indian variant, all family members are being asked to take the tests - which require laboratory analysis, unlike rapid lateral flow tests which can be done at home.
Every pupil at Bishop Bridgeman CE Primary School will be given the tests to take home on Monday, with families asked to return them to school on Tuesday morning.
In a letter to parents on Friday, principal Mrs Hafeji said: "The situation with regard to Covid 19 is becoming serious again in Bolton, particularly in the BL3 area. As a result, our school has been asked by Public Health to engage in surge testing to play our part in controlling the spread of the virus in the borough."
The school is in Great Lever, which was highlighted as one of the areas of concern along with Deane and the rest of the Rumworth ward.
The letter adds: "On Monday 17th May 2021, we shall be giving out PCR tests to every child in school and will have test kits available for families to pick up for the rest of the household at the end of the school day.
"On Monday you will also receive information on how to register your test kit. The expectation is for all family members who live in your household to take the test on Monday evening, and return to school on Tuesday morning."
It comes as secondary school and college pupils in Bolton and Bury have now been told they will need to continue to wear masks in classrooms from Monday.
Nationally the guidance is being relaxed, but the local authorities in both areas say they need to take a more cautious approach.
