THE soaring rate of Covid infection among the 11 to 18 year old age group in Thurrock has meant the government has introduced mass testing in schools.

Across the borough secondary schools have seen an alarming rise of cases of young people testing positive and yesterday Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street briefing: "I'm particularly concerned about the number of cases in London, Kent and Essex. Cases are rising and in many areas are already high.

"Looking into the detail, the testing results and survey shows us that by far the fastest rise is among secondary school age children 11-18 years old.

"We'll be working with schools and local authorities to encourage these children and families to get tested over the coming days.

"I want to urge all those involved to step forward for the testing. It's important that 11- to 18-year-olds get tested in these boroughs, irrespective of whether they have symptoms."

On Sunday (6 December) Thurrock Nub News told how infections across the borough were now so high it seems Thurrock is destined to be stepped up to Tier Three on the Covid-restrictions scale

Ministers will announce a review of England's tiers on Wednesday, 16 December with any changes expected to come into force just days later on the 19th.

But Mr Hancock said action in schools is needed now, with more details to be added today(Friday, 11 December).

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He said it was "right" to keep schools open where possible "for education and for public health".

"We are therefore surging mobile testing units and will be working with schools and local authorities to encourage these children and their families to get tested over the coming days," he said.

Mr Hancock said both PCR (a standard coronavirus test) and lateral flow testing - which takes about half an hour to show a result - would be used.