• As half term comes to an end, Andrew Bridgen MP is urging constituents to take a Covid test before returning to the classroom

• Regular rapid testing twice a week remains the best way to find asymptomatic cases of Covid-19

Coalville MP Andrew Bridgen is urging students, staff and families to take a coronavirus test before returning to school this week following the half-term break.

A major testing programme has been in place for students since schools returned in March to identify asymptomatic cases and isolate them as quickly as possible, helping to keep schools open in North West Leicestershire.

Students and staff building regular twice-weekly testing into routines is testament to their dedication to keeping the virus out of schools and colleges.

Rapid testing continues to help find the one in three people with Covid-19 who show no symptoms, allowing them to isolate rather than unknowingly spread the virus, preventing outbreaks from taking hold.

Mr Bridgen said: "I am urging all children and families in North West Leicestershire to test themselves on Sunday night ahead of schools returning, and then twice weekly to keep their friends and families safe.

"Rapid tests are available to everyone free of charge and by using them regularly, you can find cases of infection that wouldn't otherwise be found and help stop the infection spreading.

"One in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so can go under the radar without testing. We can all do our bit to keep our schools and communities safe as school starts again."

Secondary schools and colleges across North West Leicestershire continue to provide packs of tests to their students so they can take two tests a week. Primary schools are also providing packs to their staff.

Everyone is encouraged to test twice a week, with one of the two tests at the weekend to catch cases before starting the new school week.

Testing before returning to school after the half-term break will be particularly important after mixing with different groups over the break.

Positive cases identified by rapid testing are confirmed with a PCR test, meaning nobody has to worry about isolating unnecessarily following a positive rapid test result.