The number of lateral flow Covid tests and subsequent positive results in colleges and 16-19 schools in England has continued to drop.
Both the number of positive results and the number of tests registered have dropped by 22 per cent in the past two weeks, Tes analysis of Department of Health and Social Care data reveals.
In a seven-day period beginning 13 May, 105,269 Covid lateral flow tests were conducted in these institutions - of these, 138 were positive. Two weeks before, 136,627 tests were conducted, of which 179 were positive.
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From 17 May, Covid restrictions were further lifted in England, signalling significant changes around face coverings. Students and staff in colleges no longer have to wear face coverings in classrooms, but staff should continue to do so in communal areas, such as the staffroom, where social distancing may not be possible. Regular lateral flow testing is expected to continue.
Covid tests in colleges and 16-19 schools in England
Seven days from 13 May to 19 May
- Overall registered tests conducted in secondary schools and colleges: 1,618,874
- Registered tests conducted in colleges and 16-19 schools: 105,269
- Overall positive tests in secondary schools and colleges: 1,586
- Overall positives in colleges and 16-19 schools: 138
- Overall negatives in secondary schools and colleges: 1,615,673
- Overall negatives in colleges and 16-19 schools: 1,465,013
- Overall unknown/void tests in secondary schools and colleges: 1,165
- Overall unknown/void tests in colleges and 16-19 schools: 118
Seven days from 29 April to 5 May
- Overall registered tests conducted in secondary schools and colleges: 1,966,359
- Registered tests conducted in colleges and 16-19 schools: 136,627
- Overall positive tests in secondary schools and colleges: 1,975
- Overall positives in colleges and 16-19 schools: 179
- Overall negatives in secondary schools and colleges: 1,962,306
- Overall negatives in colleges and 16-19 schools: 136,293
- Overall unknown/void tests in secondary schools and colleges: 2,078
- Overall unknown/void tests in colleges and 16-19 schools: 155
