Do you have questions about Covid-19 and return to school testing? Ask Dr Amir Khan

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Created for the Government

Parents of secondary school and college students are being asked to remind their children to do a COVID-19 test before returning to the classroom, to help reduce the spread of the virus. Dr Amir Khan is here to answer your questions.

• Everyone who shares a question below by 30 December will be eligible for a prize draw
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 Amazon voucher
• Dr Amir Khan will be back online to answer a selection of your questions.

About Dr Amir Khan:

“Dr Amir Khan is an NHS Doctor, GP, and best-selling author. Dr Amir is a frequent face on ‘Good Morning Britain’ and ‘Lorraine’.”

Here’s what the Government has to say:

“Following the Christmas break children will be heading back to school - but we really want to help keep Covid-19 out of the classroom. The Omicron variant is highly infectious and continuing to spread fast, which means we need to do more to help stop the spread. So, parents of secondary and college aged students are being asked to remind their children to take a rapid lateral flow test before they come back to the classroom after the Christmas holidays. If your child is at secondary school, they will be asked to do a test at school and then continue testing at home. If your child is at college they should continue to test at home and register results online. You may be feeling unsure about why testing is important, where to get your tests from or how to ensure your children are keeping themselves and their friends safe. So, this week GP Dr Amir Khan will be here on Mumsnet answering any questions you have about children's return to school after the holidays."

Please note that Dr Amir will not be able to respond to questions asking for specific or personal medical advice. If you are worried about a personal health issue, please contact your GP.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

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@MakeTeaNotWar

Is there any evidence to show how masks are worn by secondary school pupils is effective at all?

Absolutely no effectiveness in Scotland.

Do we know what percentage of secondary school children have had Covid in the last 90 days and therefore can’t do the lateral flow tests anyway? In our area it seems like the majority of that age group fall into that category!

Hello everyone! Thanks so much for sharing your questions about return to school testing for Covid-19. I’m looking forward to answering a selection of them today.

Dr Amir

@pinkmews

Why is it important for high school children to do a test but not primary school kids? Surely they are just as infectious as each other?

@pinkmews There is no need for primary age pupils (those in year 6 and below) to regularly test, unless they have been identified as a contact for someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and therefore advised to take lateral flow tests every day for 7 days. Older children understand the need for testing and why it is important to keep themselves and close contacts safe. Not all primary school aged children will understand this, particularly the younger ones.

You are right, primary school children can get the virus and pass it onto others, if you feel your primary school aged child will tolerate the swab test, and you are confident in performing the test then you can do this. Otherwise, it remains vital that secondary school and college aged children continue to do regular lateral flow tests.

@InTheLabyrinth

Why have the guidelines dropped back to one test in school? It was 2, if not 3, tests in the previous rounds of these mass testings.

@InTheLabyrinth Testing onsite on return is an effective way to reduce the risk of transmission in schools and support the continuation of face-to-face education, by identifying positive cases and isolating those that are the most contagious as soon as is practical.

At the same time, we recognise that testing on site is an additional ask of schools. To minimise educational disruption, we are asking schools to plan to deliver one test onsite in the first week of term, before continuing to test at home. College students have been asked to continue to test at home and register results as usual.

@OneMillionSteps

What will a school do if a parent doesn’t give consent for their child to be tested? (I am very happy for my child to be tested, but I have a family member who will not give consent for their children to be tested)

@OneMillionSteps Testing on site requires active consent from the person being tested, or, if they are under 16, their parent or legal guardian. Any staff member, student, or pupil who does not take part in testing will still be able to attend school or college unless they develop symptoms or they have tested positive with a PCR or LFD (they may return to the setting if a positive LFD result is followed by a negative PCR within 2 days). Parents can provide consent at any time. It remains important that these children do daily lateral flow tests for 7 days if they are close contact with someone who tests positive.

@starrynight19

What do you think about children being allowed into school whilst awaiting test results ?

@starrynight19 In non-residential schools, if a pupil displays coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or has a positive test, while at their school they should avoid using public transport and, wherever possible, be collected by a member of their family or household.

In exceptional circumstances, if parents or carers cannot arrange to have their child collected, if age-appropriate and safe to do so the child should walk, cycle or scoot home following a positive test result. If this is not possible, alternative arrangements may need to be organised by the school. The local authority may be able to help
source a suitable vehicle which would provide appropriate protection for the driver, who must be made aware that the individual has tested positive or is displaying symptoms.

If a pupil is awaiting collection:
• they should be moved, if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door, depending on the age and needs of the pupil, with an appropriate adult supervision if required.
• a window should be opened for fresh air ventilation if it is safe to do so.
• if it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.
• if they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should use a separate bathroom if possible - the bathroom must be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.
• personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn by staff caring for the pupil while they await collection if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with complex needs) - more information on PPE use can be found in the safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings guidance

@Moolia

Please could you clarify the rules on testing after a positive covid test? The NHS and government website say that you shouldn't test again within 90 days of a positive PCR unless you have new symptoms. But Test & Trace are telling people not to test again at all within 90 days.

My understanding is that after a positive test secondary school children don't need to do regular LFTs for 90 days but should get a PCR for any covid symptoms. Is that correct?

@Moolia If you have recently (within 90 days) had a positive PCR test for COVID-19, you are likely to have developed some immunity. Individuals are exempt from testing by both PCR and LFD within 90 days of a positive PCR test, unless they develop new symptoms.

However, you may choose to take an LFD test after the 10-day isolation period, for example as part of a workplace or community testing programme or for educational testing programme. This should only be done after completion of the required self-isolation period as per the NHS stay at home guidance. If you test positive with a LFD test, you should self-isolate for 10 days or longer if symptomatic.

You are still required to self-isolate if you are identified as a close contact of a positive case, even if this is within the 90-day window, unless they are aged under 18 and 6 months or fully vaccinated.

@Cotswoldmama

How often do they need test?

@Cotswoldmama Secondary school aged pupils, as well as all school staff, should be testing themselves at home twice weekly – and that’s regardless of whether they have symptoms. They should use lateral flow device (LFD) test kits, available online (gov.uk/coronavirus), from secondary schools/colleges or from your GP or pharmacist.

Since Tuesday 14 December, all contacts of someone with a positive case of COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take an LFD test every day for 7 days. This includes all adults who are fully vaccinated, and children aged 5 -18 years and 6 months. Daily testing by close contacts will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 without meaning people have to isolate.

Research on daily testing from the summer showed it was as effective as self-isolation at keeping cases out of schools, and much more effective at keeping children who were well in school. Pupils should only stay away from school if they have symptoms, or they get a positive test result. They can still attend if undertaking daily contact testing. If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) even if they're mild you should:

1. Get a PCR test (test that is sent to a lab) to check if you have COVID-19
2. Stay at home and do not have visitors (self-isolate) until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test. Check if people you live with need to self-isolate.

If your LFD test is positive, you should isolate and take a PCR test to confirm as soon as possible.

@FenceSplinters

How can we be sure that tests are carried out properly? I’m a teacher and I have had to supervise 30 children all doing a test at once. There is no way I can ensure each person does it properly. It seems like lip-service to try to claim schools are safe.

@FenceSplinters It’s recommended that schools/colleges with an on-site ATS retain a small ATS (1 to 3 bays, depending on the size of the school) onsite, so you can offer testing to students who are unable to test themselves at home or would prefer to test onsite.

There is also funding available to support all secondary schools, special schools and colleges with on-going on-site testing for a small proportion of their pupils, where test at home is not appropriate.

We anticipate that this will require a maximum of 1 to 3 testing bays for most schools and colleges, depending on their size. In Special Schools, Alternative Provision and Special Post-16 institutions we anticipate that on-site testing may be more appropriate for a greater proportion of children and young people, more information can be found here; these settings should carefully consider the specific needs of their pupils, to establish the right level of on-site testing they continue to deliver. The revised conditions of the grant are available here.

Secondary schools and colleges have detailed information on the number of staff and estimated time and space needed for each asymptomatic testing site, and training needs.

@borntobequiet

Hello.

I’m a retired teacher of Mathematics with particular expertise in teaching Maths to students with dyslexia/dyscalculia and a track record of significantly good results both among such students and others without difficulties. I love being in the classroom interacting with students and miss it. I had always envisaged supply teaching as an option after retirement.
My own adult children have asked me not to consider teaching in schools at present, as they are not safe. They would like me to be around for a number of years for the sake of my grandchildren.
What should I say to them to persuade them to have confidence that I would be safe if teaching in a school from January?

@borntobequiet Rapid testing is a vital part of the Government’s plan to supress transmission of Covid-19 in education settings by identifying asymptomatic positive cases quickly so that those who test positive can self-isolate. This supports ensuring that other pupils and students can stay in face-to-face education. The asymptomatic testing programme does not replace the Government’s current testing policy for those with symptoms.

Where possible, ensure windows are regularly opened throughout the day to allow air to circulate. The virus’ main route of transmission is airborne, so by allowing air to circulate you can help you can help reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Secondary school students can wear masks in communal areas also.

@Flanjango

How can we be sure LF tests keep kids covid safe when my daughter caught covid from school and hasn't once tested positive by LF test? She's pcr positive and isolating for Xmas

@Flanjango Lateral flow tests are practical, easy to interpret and can be used in a wide range of settings. This makes them ideal for widespread use in the community. The more virus present in a person, the more likely they are to pick it up. They should ONLY be used for people without symptoms. Anybody with symptoms, no matter how mild should do a PCR test. The amount of virus in a person, or the “viral load” can increase in a matter of hours, so the best time to do a LFT is as close to leaving for school as possible, that way you can ensure it is as safe as can be.

If a pupil, student or member of staff conducts a LFD test and it is positive then they should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance. Fully vaccinated adults and those aged under 18 and 6 months identified as close contacts will not need to self-isolate and instead will be advised to take a PCR test.

All positive results from rapid tests, whether conducted at home or at a school or college will then need to be confirmed with a PCR test within two days of the positive lateral flow test. Following a positive LFD test, a confirmatory PCR test should be booked immediately either online or by calling 119. Whilst awaiting the PCR result,
the staff, pupil or student should continue to self-isolate. Anyone who tests positive having taken a PCR test will still need to self-isolate regardless of their age or vaccination status. If the PCR test is negative, it overrides the LFD test and the staff, pupil or student can return to school or college.

All existing protective measures set out in the guidance remain important and the need for these is not lessened. A negative PCR or LFD test result should not be read as a means to relax or ignore virus prevention measures intended to reduce transmission – regular rapid testing is an additional tool that contributes to reducing risk.

@CloverField

Are the LFT tests accurate enough to be effective in combatting the spread of the virus?

@CloverField LFDs are one way of helping us reduce the spread of the virus, but protecting ourselves to the best of our abilities requires a multi-layered approach. LFDs will help identify the 1 in 3 people who may have the virus but display no symptoms, we should wear a mask on public transport, ventilate indoor spaces and get the vaccines when eligible. No one of these will work in isolation, but in combination they will help reduce the spread of the virus.

Testing is an effective way to reduce the risk of transmission in schools and support the continuation of face-to-face education, by identifying positive cases and isolating those that are the most contagious as soon as is practical.

All existing protective measures set out in the guidance remain important and the need for these is not lessened. A negative PCR or LFD test result should not be read as a means to relax or ignore virus prevention measures intended to reduce transmission – regular rapid testing is an additional tool that contributes to reducing risk.

Thanks again for all your interesting questions. I hope you’ve found my answers helpful and they’ve given you some guidance on how we can work together with regular testing to help keep Covid-19 out of the classroom in the new year. If you have any more questions you can visit www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result

Take care,
Dr Amir

Thank you Dr Amir. You are just the most cheerful relatable doc on the telly !

*borntobequiet

Hello.

I’m a retired teacher of Mathematics with particular expertise in teaching Maths to students with dyslexia/dyscalculia and a track record of significantly good results both among such students and others without difficulties. I love being in the classroom interacting with students and miss it. I had always envisaged supply teaching as an option after retirement.
My own adult children have asked me not to consider teaching in schools at present, as they are not safe. They would like me to be around for a number of years for the sake of my grandchildren.
What should I say to them to persuade them to have confidence that I would be safe if teaching in a school from January?*

@borntobequiet Rapid testing is a vital part of the Government’s plan to supress transmission of Covid-19 in education settings by identifying asymptomatic positive cases quickly so
that those who test positive can self-isolate. This supports ensuring that other pupils and students can stay in face-to-face education. The asymptomatic testing programme does not replace the Government’s current testing policy for those with symptoms.

Where possible, ensure windows are regularly opened throughout the day to allow air to circulate. The virus’ main route of transmission is airborne, so by allowing air to circulate you can help you can help reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Secondary school students can wear masks in communal areas also.

*So basically tell them it's ok because you're allowed to open a window if it's not too cold and you have an opening window and hopefully some of the kids will be doing lfd testing at home but no way of knowing oh and some of them will be living with people who've tested positive but err see open window. That'll reassure them born

What bollocks.

Thankfully my children won’t be taken in by such disingenuous misinformation.

So basically tell them it's ok because you're allowed to open a window if it's not too cold and you have an opening window and hopefully some of the kids will be doing lfd testing at home but no way of knowing oh and some of them will be living with people who've tested positive but err see open window. That'll reassure them born hmm

Yes. Thank you, @swallowedAfly. It’s helped calm me down!

I don't see the point of some secondary school age pupils doing twice weekly LFTs while a lot aren't (and won't even agree to do the one in school before they're allowed back at the beginning of every term). It makes a mockery of the whole system TBQH.

Yes, I liked the answer to what happens if parents won't consent to testing? Nothing. The kids still come to school, there's no obligation on parents to be responsible members of a community at all and employers are magically absolved of any responsibility for keeping staff safe.

This was a copy and paste of press release guidance basically throughout. I thought we were getting a medical opinion.

The answers read as though written by a team of semi-literate jobsworths at the DfE, or some substandard AI software.

Copy and paste.

I'm sorry but I'm rather disappointed in these answers overall. We could have got most of them from a Gov't propaganda sheet.

Are these answers for real ??

Talk about copy and pasting from the government website. Really disappointed hoped we might get some actual medical replies. Just another pr exercise then downplaying the very real concerns about what is happening in schools right now. Pointless !!

Sorry but those answers are nothing but government propaganda.