WITH half term nearly over and as teachers, parents and carers get ready to go back to school it’s important not to forget about lateral flow tests.

All those in secondary or further education whether working or studying should still be taking regular lateral flow tests.

Residents of North Wales are reminded to remember to take a test on Sunday if possible to help the region's education settings stay as safe as possible.

How to help keep Covid away from schools

  • If your child has any symptoms, however mild, keep them at home and get a test.
  • No symptoms? Make sure they take a rapid lateral flow test twice-a-week and report all the results.
  • Follow the school rules on face coverings. Secondary pupils (Year 7 and above) will need to wear them on school transport.
  • Get the vaccine if it’s offered to you or your child.
  • Wash hands regularly.

Strengthened measures to reduce high coronavirus cases in Wales

Today (Friday, October 29), the First Minister has announced that Level 0 (working from home where possible, wearing masks, etc.) will remain in place for a further three weeks, but with:

  • An expansion in the use of Covid Passes, from November 15, to include cinemas, theatres and concert halls
  • A change to self-isolation rules (those who have not had the double jab will have to self-isolate for 10 days; those who have had the double jab will only have to self-isolate until they have had a negative PCR test result)

The Welsh Government says it will be issuing a schools Covid toolkit.

If rates worsen, more restrictions will be put in place at the next review in three weeks, possibly including a move back to Level 1.

The rates of coronavirus in Wales are currently the highest in the UK.