Pupils in schools and colleges across Staffordshire are being asked to get tested for Covid-19 after cases have rocketed in the area.
Dedicated Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be at multiple secondary and high schools in the county over the next few weeks, to test pupils and staff.
Schools in Stafford, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire Moorlands, Lichfield and Tamworth will have the testing units on site, in an effort to discover cases of Covid-19 and isolate them as soon as possible.
Covid-19 rates in Staffordshire now stand at 495 per 100,000 of the population, above both the West Midlands and England rates.
The virus is spreading rapidly through schools, with cases highest amongst 11-18-year-olds.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Health and Integrated Care said: “We’re seeing the biggest rise in cases amongst the 11-18 age group, which is why we’ve arranged for mobile testing units to be at secondary schools in the county, particularly in the areas where we’ve seen the most cases.
“In the past when we have seen cases rise, we have found that testing is key to discover more cases, isolate these, and stop any further spread. I would also urge those pupils who aren’t having PCR tests to continue having twice-weekly LFT tests at home, as this is another way we can stop the spread.
“Schools and parents have been fantastic so far, and I am sure they will continue to do everything they can to help drive Covid-19 cases down in schools.”
