Commencement of Lateral Flow Device testing across the Further Education Sector

Introduction  

Further Education Colleges have been informed that the NI Executive is supportive of moving to Stage 2 of the Pathway out of Restrictions for Further Education, however triggering this next stage will be dependent on the introduction of voluntary Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing across all Colleges.  Stage 2 will permit Colleges to facilitate the partial return to practical face-to-face learning for FE learners, apprentices and Training for Success (TfS) participants in line with the DfE Framework for Safe Resumption.  

Colleges have been working in conjunction with the Department for the Economy to put arrangements in place for the roll out of LFD self-testing kits to staff and students. The programme is jointly sponsored by the Department of Health (NI) and the Department for the Economy (DfE) and is linked to a national programme facilitated by the Department of Health and Social Care.  

Participation in testing is voluntary for staff and students.  

Why Lateral Flow Testing?  

Lateral Flow Device Testing has been identified as an appropriate non-clinical intervention (NCI) to identify asymptomatic cases of Covid-19.   Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Testing is a fast and simple way to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but who may still be spreading the virus.   

LFD testing of large numbers of people on College campuses in a short period of time is viewed as a key part of stopping coronavirus spreading. This means that both students and staff in Colleges can be reassured that they are not infected, or can isolate themselves more quickly if they are, and by doing so will help reduce the rate of transmission of the virus across campuses.    

The programme being rolled out by the Colleges will involve offering twice weekly Lateral Flow Device testing to all students and staff attending College campuses.  By getting tested, you can help your community, families and friends stay safe and slow down the spread of coronavirus. Stopping coronavirus from spreading also means that the College is able to continue delivery on site, face to face, to student groups.  

Those at highest risk, and to prevent transmission in high-consequence settings

Positive cases to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community

Social and economic activities, including our most critical workers and with the private sector

Purpose:

Reduce R rate by identifying asymptomatic but potentially infectious individuals, helping break the chain of transmission.

Give confidence to the public and support a safe return to normality.

The technology:

Lateral Flow Device, a rapid antigen test.

• Does not require a lab
• Can be rolled out rapidly
• Results available in 20-30 minutes
• Safe

The deployment of LFD testing is a critical step in reaching our goal of returning to normal delivery in the new academic year and we are now seeking the co-operation of all staff and students to collect a pack of self-testing kits and to give their consent to participate in this voluntary testing regime at home. 

The testing programme will be most effective when staff and students are tested regularly for coronavirus. We encourage everyone to collect the self-testing kits and begin self-testing twice a week.    You will need to report the results of each lateral flow test on the NHS Test & Trace self-report website:  https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result.  AND at SERC www.serc.ac.uk/c19testsubmit 

Test kits are available for collection for all students, staff and contractors to SERC at:
Bangor Campus – Beside the canteen on the ground floor
Downpatrick Campus – Room B1.1
Lisburn Campus – Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
Newtownards Campus – Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

Kits can be collected between 8.30 am and 12 noon and 4.00pm and 6.00pm for evening class students. (These times may be revised depending on demand).  

Separate arrangements are being made to distribute testing kits to students and staff at smaller campuses.  
Further information on Covid-19 Self-Testing including frequently asked questions is available on the College website Lateral Flow Tests - SERC

Covid Self-Test Help