New Coronavirus testing measures will be in place for Cowbridge pupils from Monday, the Health Minister has announced.

As of the 11 October, students will be asked to take daily lateral flow tests for a week if someone in their household tests positive for Covid-19.

Before this, under 18s did not have to self-isolate if a close contact tested positive.

This new policy means affected pupils will be expected to take seven lateral flow tests in addition to PCR tests on day two and day eight, if someone they live with has coronavirus.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles said he was "immensely grateful" to school and college staff for supporting learners and also those supporting younger children.

He said the new policy would provide "additional assurance" for staff and students.

"I want to do all I can to minimise disruption to education and childcare," he said.

"I recognise that some schools and parents have been confused and concerned that pupils can attend school or college if they are a household contact as long as they are asymptomatic.

"I have listened to these concerns and considered what additional assurance can be provided while also enabling learners to continue to attend school.

"Any learners in secondary school or college who are under 18 and confirmed as a household contact should start using lateral flow tests for seven days immediately to help provide further reassurance that they are not infectious to others."

The new policy is an "expectation" rather than a compulsory rule.

New testing measures for young children were also announced: there will be no testing for asymptomatic children under five years of age.

"Testing can be distressing for the child, it can be difficult to obtain an appropriate sample and of course children of this age are much less likely to pass on the virus to others," said Mr Miles.

"I have been concerned at the level of PCR testing being undertaken of children under 5 years of age which has increased fivefold since the beginning of August.

"Where children under 5 do have symptoms we would not routinely recommend tests unless directed to do so by a doctor or if parents believe a test is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of the child."

Vaccinated staff working in special education provision that are identified as a contact of a positive case must receive a negative PCR test before returning to work, and then undertake daily lateral flow tests.

The minister also gave an update on the vaccine programme for teenagers, confirming that everyone aged 12-15 years old should have received an offer for a jab by the end of October half term.