Parents of school and college students can get rapid COVID-19 tests

Since schools re-opened on 8 March, secondary school and college students have taken part in initial lateral flow device (LFD) testing at their school or college. Subsequently they have been given home test kits to continue testing themselves at home.

These tests are for those who show no COVID-19 symptoms. One in three people who have Covid-19 show no symptoms and can therefore spread it without knowing. The aim of asymptomatic testing is to identify cases quickly and to break the chains of transmission. 

If you are the parent of a child in nursery, primary, secondary school or college, or you are part of an associated support bubble, you can also get tested:

• through your employer if they offer testing to employees
• at one of Dorset’s community test sites
• by collecting a home test kit from a test site (check for your local area)
• by ordering a home test kit online

Staff of primary and secondary schools, nurseries and colleges are also being tested.

Children of primary school age or younger will not be asked to test at this time.

LFD testing involves a swab of the nose and throat to collect a sample and provides a result in around half an hour.  You can find out more about coronavirus test results here.

Find out more about community testing for households with school-aged children.

It’s important to remember that these LFD tests are only to be used if you don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you or anyone in your household develops COVID-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a test on the national portal or by calling 119.