More than 21,000 tests have now been taken by staff and students at Greenwich schools

By Toby Porter

Thousands of students and teachers have helped keep a borough safe by testing themselves for Covid-19.

More than 21,000 tests have now been taken in Greenwich by staff in primary schools, and by both staff and students in secondary schools since schools reopened on March 8.

So far, very few people have tested positive. Secondary students are now being given test kits to take home, so that they can test themselves regularly for COVID-19.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Getting students back into schools was a mammoth effort from teachers and I am extremely grateful for all their hard work to get us to where we are today.

“It’s no secret that as a former teacher I wanted to see classrooms full again, but I am mindful that we are not out of the woods yet and there is still a long way to go. The numbers we are seeing are fantastic, but we need to make sure it continues.

“Testing regularly is so important if we want to keep to the dates of the lockdown map. If you test regularly, you’re not only keeping yourself safe, but you’re keeping your family, friends and teachers safe and helping the community move forward.”

Households or support bubbles can also now order free COVID-19 tests to use at home, if at least one member of the household is a school, nursery or college pupil – or if a member of the household works in a school, nursery or college.