Antigen testing in primary schools begins today - here's what you need to know

If a child tests positive, the others in their pod can continue to go to school as long as they remain asymptomatic, and their antigen test results do not detect Covid. Stock Picture: Danny Lawson/PA

A new system of antigen testing for asymptomatic close contacts will be in place in primary schools on or before November 29. 

How will it work? 

A: The programme is for asymptomatic close contacts, and will see antigen tests made available to primary school children when a child in their ‘pod’ has a positive PCR test. In situations where two or more confirmed cases of Covid-19 occur in a class, within a seven-day period, outside of a single pod antigen testing will then be offered to the full class. The tests will be sent to the children’s parents or guardians by the HSE.

My child has tested positive for Covid-19 following a PCR test, what should I do?

Parents and guardians should inform their child’s school principal immediately when their child has a positive PCR test. Principals will then be asked to inform the parents of other children in the pod of a confirmed case. The name of the child or their details will not be shared. 

A letter to parents from the Education Department says that the principal will give the parent or guardian details of how they can order free antigen tests for their children using a Freephone number.

Parents are asked to carry out the antigen test on their child the day that they receive their delivery, and every second day until three tests have been completed.

Can my child continue to attend school or should they stay home if someone in their pod tests positive?

The children in the pod can continue to attend school as long as they remain asymptomatic and their antigen test results do not detect Covid.

If at any time, a child develops symptoms, they should isolate at home and a parent or guardian should book a PCR test for them. This should be done even if the antigen test has a negative or not detected result.

What happens if the antigen test detects a positive result?

If an antigen test is positive, the child must isolate at home, and parents and guardians must request a PCR test from the HSE.

Does my child have to take part in the antigen testing?

It is not mandatory for children to take part. Children who are in a pod where a child has tested positive for Covid-19 can continue to attend school, whether they participate in antigen testing or not, provided that they are not experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Principals will not be required to gather evidence of participation or of antigen test results.

What should I do if my child has symptoms of Covid-19?

They should self-isolate immediately, and parents and guardians should arrange a PCR test.

My child received a ‘not detected’ Covid-19 test but still has symptoms. Can they still go to school?

According to public health, a 'not detected' CovidD-19 test in a symptomatic person indicates that they may have another respiratory viral infection. There is a clinical risk related to the introduction of those infections into the school setting if that symptomatic child attends. 

This story was originally published on November 18, 2021.