Dudley Council coronavirus updates | back to school - 5 March

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The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

To limit the spread of the virus, follow all government guidance and local restrictions. Keep up to date with the latest local data.

Play your part - protect Dudley borough. 

✏️ 📚 Is your child returning to school from 8 March?

📲 Find out what you need to know for a safe return 

📲 Find out about lateral flow tests and how to access home test kits

Each school will have its own measures in place and parents are being reminded to check with their school about their own localised plans. Parents are also being urged to authorise the testing of their child, with each school communicating this to parents and students through their usual channels. 

 Find out information on how to access home tests. 

Lateral Flow Tests

✔️ Parents and carers, and anyone else living with a school age child or young person, are among the priority groups being given access to free home lateral flow testing kits to test themselves. 

All are strongly encouraged to have a lateral flow test at a local testing site prior to starting home testing to know how a test is undertaken.

 Twice weekly testing will help detect hidden asymptomatic cases and help keep pupils and staff safer in school.

Secondary school and college pupils will be invited to undertake their first three tests in school or college. This will help them to learn how the tests are undertaken and will give schools a chance to identify any potential cases during the initial return.

📺 Watch these step by step videos on self-testing. 

Anyone unable to do home testing can go to a Dudley lateral flow testing centre. There is also testing at more than 30 pharmacies across the borough. Find a centre and book a visit.

Children and young people will be excited to get back to school.

We all still have a part to play and it's essential that we keep a safe distance ↔️ wash hands regularly 🙌 and wear a face covering 😷 where appropriate.

This includes on the school run and for secondary school students during lunchtimes and after school.

Find out latest guidance for primary schools and secondary schools. 

Lateral flow testing is NOT available for people who have symptoms of Covid-19 or people who have been told to isolate.

❌ Do not send your child to school or college if they or anyone in your household has any Covid-19 symptoms:

a new, continuous cough

a high temperature 🤒

a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

✔️ Self-isolate immediately and book a test www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or
call 119.

Every day at home is making a difference. 
Let's keep going.

Self-isolating? Find out ways to reduce the chances of spreading Covid-19 to people you live with.

Feeling generally unwell? We’re advising residents to get tested as a precaution.

Had the covid vaccine? Continue to follow national guidelines and stay home.

Looking for support and advice? We have information available including community safety, financial support and health and wellbeing. 

Advised to shield? Find out how we're supporting residents.

Visiting Dudley parks, Himley Hall or nature reserves for your daily exercise? Exercise alone, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

↔️ Please ensure you follow the government guidelines and social distance.

Do you regularly use a private hire vehicle for your essential travel, or are a taxi driver/company owner providing a service during this pandemic? Find out latest advice.

Be taxi safe, be COVID secure.

Keep up to date with latest Dudley Council news

Households across Dudley will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021