Written question WQ83823
- Asked by
- Adam PricePlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Minister outline the rationale for removing PCR test requirements for COVID-19 symptomatic children under 5 in school and nursery settings?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
A review of testing for under 5s was conducted by the Welsh Government’s Testing Clinical Advisory and Prioritisation Group. It was determined that children under 5 find the testing process invasive and distressing and obtaining an adequate sample can very difficult and distressing for parents and carers. Children in this age group do not spread COVID in the same way as an adult or in the same way young children spread cold and flu. Young children have small bodies, small lungs and small breath capacity which means even if they are infected with the virus they cannot spread it to others in the same way as an older child or adult.
Children under 5 can still access PCR testing on medical advice or if a parent/carer believe a test is absolutely necessary.