All school children urged to get tested

Southend's Director of Public Health, Krishna Ramkhelawon, sent a letter to parents urging pupils of all ages and their families to use the borough's rapid testing sites ahead of classrooms returning.

The plea comes in a bid to keep schools safe and protect the wider community from asymptomatic people.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health, said: “This is important for the safety of the children, the staff, every family and the wider community.

"Over the last few months we have increased capacity at our asymptomatic testing sites, for people who are continuing to work in the community but are not displaying any of the Covid-19 symptoms, such as a temperature, new continuous cough and loss of taste or smell.

"As education settings reopen, it is important we try and protect as many people in our community as possible.”

Southend Council has set up a school-only LFD testing site to support schools which is located at Southend Leisure and Tennis Court in Eastern Avenue.

Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and education said: “Our parents have gone above and beyond to make sure their children’s education did not suffer because of the pandemic. It has been a difficult year; for the children, who have been away from their friends and learning environment, and for the parents and carers, who I am sure never expected to have to take on a teaching role.

“I want to thank them and our amazing school staff who have proven to be well prepared for this second education setting closure and have continued to educate children virtually and support families.

“Now it’s time for all children to return to their classroom and we need our parents to continue doing the fabulous job of keeping them safe and well by getting tested, wearing face masks and following the school’s directions.”

The council are encouraging all school-aged to children to take an asymptomatic test at one of their sites.

To book a test, visit www.southend.gov.uk/gettested