Local businesses can now apply for Covid-19 lateral flow tests for employees
Businesses of all sizes, including those with less than 50 employees, are now able to register to order free Covid-19 lateral flow tests for their employees, as part of the Government’s plan to gradually ease restrictions.
Businesses have until 31 March to register their interest to access the tests for their workplace, even if they cannot open by that time due to the current lockdown restrictions.
It is estimated that around one in three people with Covid-19 do not show any symptoms. The rapid flow testing is aimed at those without symptoms of the virus, and gives results in as little as half an hour.
If they do not register for rapid workplace testing, North East Lincolnshire Council is urging businesses with less than 50 employees to attend one of the local community testing sites at The Knoll in Cleethorpes, Grimsby Town Hall or Immingham Library.
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Rapid workplace testing will play a vital role across the country, and within North East Lincolnshire, to help us return to a more normal way of life and will help to isolate COVID-19 cases at the earliest opportunity.
“Lateral flow tests offer a much quicker result time than conventional COVID-19 tests because they do not need to be sent off to a laboratory.
“With around one in three people not showing symptoms but still being infectious, these tests will help us to identify coronavirus cases that we wouldn’t have known about otherwise.”
He added: “It is still important that if anyone has any of the three main symptoms of coronavirus, then they should self-isolate and arrange for a regular test via NHS.UK or by calling 119. Please continue to do your bit to protect yourself and others.”
Companies in the area can register for the lateral flow testing scheme by visiting www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests. They will be provided with all the information needed to deliver the testing programme to their employees, along with promotional materials.
For any queries, businesses can email lateralflow.testing@nelincs.gov.uk.
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