Targeted Covid testing to be rolled out in Calderdale schools

Calderdale Council is introducing targeted community testing with lateral flow tests as one of the many measures being used to control COVID-19.

The testing will work alongside the local test and trace system and support for people who need to self-isolate.

Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We must all continue to do the three big things to reduce the spread of COVID-19 – limit our contact with others, wear a face covering and isolate when needed.

“However, we know that certain settings, like schools, have a higher risk of people coming into contact with COVID-19 as it’s harder to stay two metres away from others. We are doing all we can to protect and support people most at risk, and that includes targeted testing in riskier settings.

“We’re starting with schools and will also be focusing on certain workplaces and public-facing services such as retail and hospitality.”

The tests are arriving at five schools and Calderdale College this week as part of a local pilot.

Ryburn Valley High School, The North Halifax Grammar School, The Halifax Academy, Holy Trinity Primary School, Tuel Lane Infant School and Calderdale College will receive a month’s worth of lateral flow tests.

School and college staff, who are key frontline workers, will be tested at least once a week. Over 2000 tests are due to be taken in one week alone.

The Council is also looking into possibly extending the testing to some older students. It plans to offer targeted testing to all schools in Calderdale by the end of the current school term.

The supplies being delivered this week will cover the period up until the Christmas holidays and the return to school in January.

The Council’s School Nursing Team is training school staff to be able to administer the tests themselves.

Liz Whetham, Teaching Schools Council West Yorkshire Sub-region Lead and Headteacher of Holy Trinity Primary School, A Church of England Academy, said: “Holy Trinity is pleased to be able support the trial of lateral flow testing in schools.

"It will give staff and parents some additional reassurance that asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 aren’t being transmitted around school and therefore keeping the children and staff of Holy Trinity even safer. Initially it may result in some bubble closures and move to remote learning but we are confident in our arrangements for this.”