Current LRT and PCR Testing Guidance

KOn/JWe

12 January 2022

Dear Parents / Carers

Please be aware of the following government adjustments to LFT and PCR testing guidance:

From Tuesday 11 January 2022 the requirement for a confirmatory PCR is no longer required if you have received a positive LFD result and have no Covid-19 symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms of Covid-19 you will be required to complete a PCR Test.

People therefore do not need to do a confirmatory PCR unless they:
– Have symptoms (see below) in which case they need to follow the stay at home guidance, self-isolate and order a PCR test.
– Wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment.
– Have been advised to take a PCR test because they are in a clinically vulnerable group.
– Have been advised to do so as part of a research or surveillance programme.

All LFD test results must be reported to NHS Test and Trace –  www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result

Anyone who is completing daily testing whilst isolating, is advised to stop testing on Day 8 if they have continued to receive a positive test result, they should remain isolating until their 10 days have finished.

Please note: the day of the first positive test counts as Day 0, the day after is Day 1 etc.

Symptoms of Covid-19 which would require a PCR Test – www.nhs.uk

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

– A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature).

– A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual).

– A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

Asymptomatic (No symptoms) = LFD Test

Further information can be found on the government website: www.gov.uk

Kind Regards

Katherine Ogden
Principal Kings Oak Academy