Mobile testing units have been deployed across the county in a bid to get all secondary school children tested for Covid-19.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced last week that Kent - along with parts of London and Essex - will start testing all 11-18-year-olds to stop the rapid rise of positive cases in schools.

PCR testing (polymerase chain reaction testing) is being used and can be carried out at home or at the testing units.

These units have already been deployed in Swale, Thanet, Canterbury, Dover and Ashford. Colleges in east Kent are also managing the testing of their own students.

Pupils who don't have a unit on site can book a test on the government portal using instructions provided by the letter from their school.

KCC Leader Roger Gough said: “We want to make sure as many young people as possible in these areas get tested. Extra Mobile Testing Units are being set up in these areas to make this easier.

“We strongly urge every student, parent/carer and school and college staff in these areas to come forward as the more people who are tested, the better able we are to contain the virus.

“If we can break the chain of transmission in this way we can help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, limit the number of people who might fall very ill, and protect the NHS.”

What if I test negative?

Anyone who tests negative does not need to self-isolate but should continue to wash their hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed places and keep your distance from people outside your bubble.

What should I do if I test positive?

Anyone who tests positive or comes in to contact with someone who has should self-isolate for 10 days.

If you are told to isolate, you should go home and start self-isolating straight away.

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