FREE rapid workplace COVID-19 testing is now available to all businesses in Warrington who register their interest by 31 March, including those with fewer than 50 employees.
As part of the government’s roadmap to cautiously lift restrictions, businesses of all sizes that are registered with Companies House, including those with fewer than 50 employees, can register to order free lateral flow tests (LFTs) for their employees.
Regular testing could be the difference between a workplace being able to stay open and operational, as rapid tests help to identify positive coronavirus cases, which is crucial in helping businesses protect their workplaces and employees.
Rapid lateral flow testing takes only a few minutes to complete but detects cases quickly – in under 30 minutes – meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. This will help to stop the spread of the virus by breaking chains of transmission and preventing any potential outbreaks in the workplace.
Businesses have until 31 March to register for the government’s workplace testing scheme, which will remain free until the end of June. You can register to order free lateral flow coronavirus tests for your employees at gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests.
Employees who test positive using an LFT are now required to self-isolate by law, even if they subsequently obtain a negative confirmatory NHS coronavirus (PCR) test result. If any employees have symptoms of COVID-19, they should not get a workplace test or visit a symptom-free testing site, and instead should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS PCR test.
Cllr Tom Jennings, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Innovation, said: “Regular workplace testing will play a vital part as we come out of lockdown, so I encourage all businesses to sign up for these free lateral flow tests, regardless of how many employees they have.
“Lateral flow device testing is a fast and simple way to test people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus and need to leave their home to work, which will help to prevent a potential outbreak in the workplace.
“Alongside this increased testing, it is vital that everyone continues to follow the basics of keeping socially distanced, wearing a face covering and washing your hands, especially when in a workplace.”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Wellbeing and Housing, said: “In the coming weeks as restrictions are carefully eased, more people will inevitably start to return to work – but it is important that this does not lead to an increase in COVID cases.
“Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they could be unknowingly spreading the virus in their workplaces. Regular workplace testing will play an essential role in identifying cases in these people without symptoms, which in turn will keep everyone including our most vulnerable protected against coronavirus.”
More information can be found on the GOV.UK website at gov.uk/government/news/free-rapid-tests-for-all-businesses-for-regular-workplace-testing