RE: Piece of roadmap22 Feb 2021 17:50
157. Rapid testing in education settings is now well established, with more than 3 million
rapid COVID-19 tests conducted in schools and colleges in England since 4 January.
This includes two tests for those secondary school pupils and college students who
have returned, and regular testing for all staff. At universities, 600,000 tests have
also been taken on site since last year; they are encouraged to offer twice-weekly
tests to everyone attending.
78 When more pupils and students return to face-to-face
education in schools and colleges on 8 March the Government will introduce twice-
weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils, starting with testing on site in
the first two weeks and then home testing. All households with school children,
members of their support and childcare bubbles, and those in related occupations will
also be encouraged to get tested regularly.
158. In January, the Government offered regular asymptomatic testing for people who
have to leave home for work, to reduce risk to individuals and keep businesses open.
A major effort across the private and public sector has already resulted in interest
from over 12,000 UK organisations, with over three million tests distributed to
employers. The Government’s offer of free test kits to workplaces for staff who
cannot work at home will be extended to until the end of June. Organisations,
including those yet to open, will need to register interest before 31 March. The
Government will keep this under review as vaccine deployment continues and will
investigate how testing could be used to support the recovery.
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