Published: Friday, 19th March 2021
Students and teachers across Royal Greenwich have been playing their part in keeping the community safe by getting tested, using rapid flow tests.
Tests identify if an asymptomatic person has the virus and can help to stop the spread. Tests are being taken by staff in primary schools, and by both staff and students in secondary schools.
Since schools in Royal Greenwich reopened for pupils on March 8, they have carried out 21,000 COVID-19 tests with staff or students.
So far, very few people have tested positive. Schools are following all appropriate measures and monitoring data daily.
Secondary students are now being given test kits to take home, so that they can test themselves regularly for COVID-19.
Testing is fast, easy and safe – and vital in ensuring that symptomless cases are found before the virus spreads any further.
In partnership with the University of Greenwich and Greenwich Students' Union, we are sharing videos from across the community in different languages to ensure that the message about the importance of testing is heard loud and clear.
The videos are available on our YouTube and social media channels.
The more people who take part in testing, the safer schools and colleges will be.
Councillor Danny Thorpe, the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Getting students back into schools was a mammoth effort from teachers and I am extremely grateful for all their hard work to get us to where we are today.
“It’s no secret that as a former teacher I wanted to see classrooms full again, but I am mindful that we are not out of the woods yet and there is still a long way to go. The numbers we are seeing are fantastic, but we need to make sure it continues.
“Testing regularly is so important if we want to keep to the dates of the lockdown map. If you test regularly, you’re not only keeping yourself safe, but you’re keeping your family, friends and teachers safe and helping the community move forward.”
Households or support bubbles can also now order free COVID-19 tests to use at home, if at least one member of the household is a school, nursery or college pupil – or if a member of the household works in a school, nursery or college.