Families thanked for Covid testing response
Students from King's Academy have been praised for their response to a Covid testing programme.
The school closed as a precaution on Tuesday and reverted to online learning following a small number of positive cases.
School staff worked with Middlesbrough Council and the Department of Health and Social Care to arrange testing for staff and students on Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.
A total of 1,050 staff and students were tested in just a day and a half - a small number of further positive cases have so far been identified.
The Council will continue to monitor the results closely alongside Public Health England.
Consultant in Public Health Esther Mireku said: "The school acted promptly and for the good of everyone in Middlesbrough.
"To get so many students and staff coming forward for tests was exactly what we needed.
"To date we have identified a small number of additional positive cases.
"My message to all families across the town is to continue using the rapid lateral flow tests so we can identify people who are carrying the virus and potentially passing it on to others without knowing.
"The bank holiday weekend is upon us and we just need people to enjoy it responsibly and remember the guidance around hands, face and space.
"Meeting people you don't live with is still safest outdoors."
King's Academy Principal David Dawes said: "I know the disruption of the past week has been inconvenient but I'm proud of the way the school community has pulled together.
"The response to our request for staff and students to be tested was fantastic. They queued in some horrible weather to do their bit for their community. A huge amount of credit must go to parents and carers.
"We're looking forward to welcoming the students back to school after half-term and I would just ask that everyone continues to be vigilant so we can keep everyone safe and well."
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can book a free test online or by calling 119.
The symptoms are a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss or change to the sense of taste or smell.
ENDS
Students from King's Academy have been praised for their response to a Covid testing programme.
The school closed as a precaution on Tuesday and reverted to online learning following a small number of positive cases.
School staff worked with Middlesbrough Council and the Department of Health and Social Care to arrange testing for staff and students on Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.
A total of 1,050 staff and students were tested in just a day and a half - a small number of further positive cases have so far been identified.
The Council will continue to monitor the results closely alongside Public Health England.
Consultant in Public Health Esther Mireku said: "The school acted promptly and for the good of everyone in Middlesbrough.
"To get so many students and staff coming forward for tests was exactly what we needed.
"To date we have identified a small number of additional positive cases.
"My message to all families across the town is to continue using the rapid lateral flow tests so we can identify people who are carrying the virus and potentially passing it on to others without knowing.
"The bank holiday weekend is upon us and we just need people to enjoy it responsibly and remember the guidance around hands, face and space.
"Meeting people you don't live with is still safest outdoors."
King's Academy Principal David Dawes said: "I know the disruption of the past week has been inconvenient but I'm proud of the way the school community has pulled together.
"The response to our request for staff and students to be tested was fantastic. They queued in some horrible weather to do their bit for their community. A huge amount of credit must go to parents and carers.
"We're looking forward to welcoming the students back to school after half-term and I would just ask that everyone continues to be vigilant so we can keep everyone safe and well."
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can book a free test online or by calling 119.
The symptoms are a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss or change to the sense of taste or smell.
ENDS