MAGGIE THROUP URGES TESTS

• As half term comes to an end, Maggie is urging students to take a Covid test as they return to the classroom
• Regular rapid testing twice a week remains the best way to find asymptomatic cases of Covid-19

 Local MP Maggie Throup is urging students to take a coronavirus test before returning to school this week following the half term break. A major testing programme has been in place for students since schools returned in March to identify asymptomatic cases and isolate them as quickly as possible, helping to keep schools open in Erewash. The success of students and staff in building regular twice-weekly testing into routines is testament to their dedication to keeping the virus out of schools and colleges. Rapid testing continues to help find the one in three people with Covid-19 who show no symptoms, allowing them to isolate rather than unknowingly spread the virus, preventing outbreaks from taking hold. Maggie said: 

“I urge all children and families in Erewash to test themselves on ahead of schools returning, and then twice weekly to keep their friends and families safe.

Rapid tests are available to everyone free of charge and by using them regularly, you can find cases of infection that wouldn’t otherwise be found and help stop the infection spreading. One in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so can go under the radar without testing. We can all do our bit to keep our schools and communities safe as school starts again.

Secondary schools and colleges across Erewash continue to provide packs of tests to their students so they can take two tests a week. Primary schools are also providing packs to their staff. Everyone is encouraged to test twice a week, with one of the two tests at the weekend to catch cases before starting the new school week. Positive cases identified by rapid testing are confirmed with a PCR test, meaning nobody has to worry about isolating unnecessarily following a positive rapid test result.