Confirmatory PCR testing following a positive result on a lateral flow device (LFD) has been temporarily suspended from Tuesday 11 January.                                           

This means that for all education and childcare settings, staff and students who have tested and reported a positive Lateral Flow Test result will no longer be advised to get a confirmatory PCR test.

This change is informed by public health advice. With high COVID-19 rates, the risk of a positive LFD result being false is very small.

Therefore, people don’t need to do a confirmatory PCR unless they:

· have symptoms (in which case they need to follow the stay at home guidance, self-isolate and order a PCR test)

· wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment

· have been advised to take a PCR test because they are in a clinically vulnerable group

· have been advised to do so as part of a research or surveillance programme