Covid testing station to be brought in to Morecambe Bay Academy after rise in cases

PCR testing will be available at the Dallam Avenue school in a bid to quickly identify any further asymptomatic cases.

All classes are continuing as usual in the school following the government guidelines to limit any spread of the virus.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is performed to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus.

Heather McClurg, principal at Morecambe Bay Academy, said: “We have received a number of positive coronavirus cases in the last five days. We are taking all due precautions and putting staff and students’ safety first by asking close contacts to people who have tested positive to self-isolate.

“The safety of students, staff, parents and the local community is our number one priority and we have arranged for a mobile testing unit to be on site at the school next week, with a view to testing all pupils and staff with a view to identifying any asymptomatic cases.

"Parents of pupils are also encouraged to make an appointment via the link on the school website to be tested.

“Since the return of classes in March, all families of students have been asked to take two lateral flow tests per week, self-isolating and informing the school in case of a positive result. Any deemed close contacts were then asked to self-isolate as a precaution.”