As children and their parents get set for the big return to school next week, Surrey County Council has announced that anyone who is in the same household, childcare bubble or support bubble as a pupil or someone who works in a school or college, is now eligible for twice-weekly symptom-free testing.

The authority says that regular, rapid Covid-19 testing will help to reduce transmission of the virus as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

People who are eligible can book, collect or order regular symptom-free tests by booking an appointment at the nearest symptom-free testing site or pharmacy. To do this, visit the online booking system or call 020 8865 1952 (Monday – Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, local charges will apply).

Some local testing sites are operating as collection points for symptom-free home tests. Click here to find your local site.

Visitors do not need to book an appointment. They can collect two packs of home test kits, each containing seven tests.

Once the test has been completed, every result (positive, negative or void) must be reported to NHS Test and Trace, on the same day as the test was taken. Report results online or call 119.

Anyone who cannot get tested their at workplace or are unable to go to a test site or collect a test kit can order a home test kit from the GOV.UK website.

Once the test has been completed, every result (positive, negative or void) must be reported to NHS Test and Trace, on the same day as the test was taken. Report results online or call 119.

Anyone who tests positive or gets coronavirus symptoms should tell the school and self-isolate immediately, get a PCR test to confirm the result and follow the stay-at-home guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.

Everyone is advised to keep following all coronavirus advice, including regular handwashing, social distancing and wearing a face covering where recommended.

For more information on symptom-free testing available in Surrey visit the Surrey County Council website.