Posted on Thursday 1st July 2021
Thousands of pupils in Tamworth schools and colleges are being asked to get tested for Covid-19 after cases have rocketed in the area.
Staff and pupils in some schools in the area are being asked to get a PCR test, to discover more cases and stop the spread of the virus.
Testing will take place over two weeks, and comes after positive Covid-19 cases in Tamworth rose to double the England and triple the Staffordshire average.
The virus is spreading rapidly in schools and through community transmission including where people have gathered to watch the Euro 2021 matches.
People in Tamworth are being urged to do all they can to halt the spread of infection and bring cases down in the area.
This includes strictly following all the Government guidance around social distancing and household mixing, getting tested regularly and getting vaccinated if they are 18 are over.
Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We’re seeing the biggest rise in cases amongst the 11-34 age group, which is why we’ve arranged for mobile testing units to be at schools in the areas where we’ve seen the most cases.
“I would urge everyone who has been asked to get a PCR test to get one. Testing is the best way we can discover more cases, isolate these, and stop any further spread. I would also urge anyone aged 18 and above to take up the offer of a vaccine as soon as they can.”
Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Health and Integrated Care:
“Cases in Tamworth are now more than double the England average, and we must do everything we can to stop the spread. In both Newcastle and Leek, we have found that school testing is key to help discover and isolate any further cases. School and parents have been fantastic so far, and I am sure the ones in Tamworth will do everything they can to help make an impact on case numbers in the area.”
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Notes to editors
The schools asking pupils to get tested are:
William MacGregor Primary School
Wilnecote High School
The Rawlett School
Landau Forte Academy Amington
Tamworth Enterprise College an AET Academy
Landau Forte Academy QEMs & 6th form
South Staffs College Tamworth
Two Rivers High School
Millfield Primary School