PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Teachers: Coronavirus (18 September 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether (a) primary school teachers and (b) other teaching staff who have been in contact with a school bubble in which there has been a confirmed case of covid-19 and who have been asked to self-isolate but are asymptomatic are eligible for a covid-19 test.

Asked by:
James Murray (Labour)

Unless an individual has been specifically asked to do so by a clinician, it is vital that only those who have developed symptoms of COVID-19 get tested. The NHS Test and Trace system must stay focused on testing those with symptoms of COVID-19. The test is most effective for those who are experiencing symptoms.

Anyone who is self isolating as a result of being a close contact of a confirmed case but does not have symptoms should not request a test. This includes if that case was identified in school or college.

The latest clinical advice is that testing of individuals without symptoms should only be used where clinically appropriate, predominantly for outbreak investigation and infection control. This risk based approach ensures that testing is targeted where it is most effective.

All children, young people and staff have access to a test if they display symptoms of COVID-19 and should get tested in this scenario.

Answered by:
Nick Gibb (Conservative)
23 September 2020