COUNTY chiefs are urging Warwickshire businesses to get their staff tested regularly for Covid.
The community test centres in Leamington, Rugby, Stratford, Water Orton, Bedworth and Nuneaton are set up to conduct over 2,000 tests per week using lateral flow testing – a new kind of technology used to test a higher proportion of people without symptoms of Covid, to help identify and isolate those at high likelihood of spreading the virus and break the chains of transmission.
The county council is urging key workers with no symptoms, whose roles require them to work outside their homes, and who come into contact with others, to book a test immediately.
Employment sectors include essential shops, financial services, food production, warehousing, essential public sector services, construction, utilities, communications, agency workers, health, social care, education staff and manufacturing.
Director of Public Health Warwickshire Dr Shade Agboola said: “It has never been more important to tackle the transmission of Covid-19 than it is now, with high case numbers and hospitals facing growing pressures.
“Lateral flow – or rapid result – testing is just one way we can help limit the movement of the virus amongst people with no symptoms, and it is available now – free - in Warwickshire. These tests provide results in around an hour and can be taken weekly at one of six test sites.
“If you employ fewer than 250 people, I encourage you to promote these tests to your staff and support them to get tested weekly.
“It is important to recognise that ‘Hands – Face – Space’ must continue to be a central element in your efforts to promote Covid-security in your work settings.
“It is also important to recognise that a negative test does not mean people can relax their Covid-safety behaviours. We should all behave as though we have the virus and do everything, we can to protect ourselves and others from catching it.”
For information on setting up workplace testing, email: [email protected].
Tests are available for booking between 8.15am and 8pm, Monday to Friday and 10.15am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/covidcommunitytesting to book a lateral flow test.
The lateral flow tests are not for people who have symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a change to sense of taste or smell – or those who have been identified as a close contact of a case and asked to self-isolate. Instead, they should self-isolate immediately and book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
