Course

for three days waiting for the results.

‘‘This rapid antigen test will allow us to continue much faster. Although it’s not diagnostic – if the person had a whole suite of symptoms, or if they test positive, they would still need to isolate.’’

While no students had tested positive for Covid-19 to date, the new Nelson cases had reinforced the risk of it spreading into Marlborough, Reid said.

Once the tests were available at home, Outward Bound would ask students to test themselves before they came to the school. The tests had been approved for businesses this week, and the public could buy them from pharmacies from December 15.

Outward Bound chief executive Malindi Maclean said she was thrilled the charity was one of the first to offer the tests. ‘‘With almost 2000 students making the pilgrimage to Outward Bound from different regions every year ... it’s vital they can come with the confidence they’re keeping themselves and others safe.’’