East Antrim welcome for weekly Covid testing at special schools

The initiative is being led by the Public Health Agency working together with a range of delivery partners, including the Education Authority and Queen’s University Belfast.

The programme is jointly sponsored by the Departments of Health and Education and is subject to business case approval.

All asymptomatic staff and pupils attending special schools will be offered regular testing using a new technology called LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification). This is a saliva-based test and is expected to be easier than swab testing for children.

Eamon Doherty, vice principal of Hill Croft School in Newtownabbey, which provides opportunities for children and young people who face severe challenges to learning, welcomed the programme.

Mr Doherty said: “It’s no secret that coronavirus has affected the special school community across Northern Ireland and staff have tested positive and have had to self-isolate. This has had an impact on the children who attend the schools.

“If anything can be introduced to make the situation better and improve the safety of pupils and staff members, this is welcome.

“We haven’t received anything official yet about when this will be rolled out at our school, but hopefully it is in the pipeline to start soon.”

The announcement is also seen as a positive development by the principal of Roddensvale School, Larne, John Madden.

Mr Madden said: “We welcome anything that would help manage asymptomatic and symptomatic members of the school community. We are also waiting with baited breath on a decision to vaccinate front line special school staff.

“Anything that helps improve the situation is greatly appreciated. We should hear more about the testing programme soon and are keen for it to commence.”

Earlier this month the Times reported how a new walk in Covid-19 testing facility has been launched at Belfast International Airport, providing rapid PCR tests for those who require a negative test before travelling on any essential journeys. For more on this story, read here

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