The number of positive lateral flow Covid tests in colleges and 16-19 schools in England has dropped by 5 per cent this week - but the number of tests taken has gone down by around 30,000, Tes analysis of Department of Health and Social Care data reveals.
In the seven-day period beginning 29 April, 136,627 Covid lateral flow tests were conducted in these institutions - of these, 179 were positive. In the seven days prior, 166,469 tests were conducted, of which 188 were positive.
This week, the government confirmed that from 17 May, restrictions would be further lifted in England, signalling significant changes around face coverings. Students and staff in colleges will no longer need 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.
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Covid tests in colleges and 16-19 schools in England
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
Seven days from 22 April to 28 April
Overall registered tests conducted in secondary schools and colleges: 2,269,898
Registered tests conducted in colleges and 16-19 schools: 166,469
Overall positive tests in secondary schools and colleges: 1,956
Overall positives in colleges and 16-19 schools: 188
Overall negatives in secondary schools and colleges: 2,265,539
Overall negatives in colleges and 16-19 schools: 166,082
Overall unknown/void tests in secondary schools and colleges: 2,403
Overall unknown/void tests in colleges and 16-19 schools: 199
