All key workers in England, as well as members of their household who may be self-isolating, are now eligible for COVID-19 tests, employers can now refer their staff for a test too.
This was announced by Matt Hancock, Health Secretary at the daily Downing Street Coronavirus briefings on the 23/04/20.
These tests can be booked online, where employers can refer a staff member for a test or an employee can book a test for themselves or members of their household.
Mr Hancock said:
We have already prioritised testing for patients and health and social care workers and other key workers. Today I can go further.
We are making it easier, faster and simpler for any essential worker in England who needs a test to get a test. From today, employers of essential workers will be able to go on gov.uk to get a test for any of their staff who need a test. And from tomorrow, any essential workers who need a test will be able to book an appointment on gov.uk themselves directly.
This all applies for people in essential workers’ households who need a test too. It’s all part of getting Britain back on her feet.
When employers or staff sign up for a test, they will receive an email asking them to book an appointment at one of the drive-through testing sites across the country which the Government plan to have 50 opened by the end of April.
Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow health secretary said:
Yesterday we urged the Government to do more testing and we have consistently questioned why ministers were not moving to a test and trace strategy. It is welcome ministers now recognise the importance of testing and tracing.
It is crucial that greater numbers of critical workers such as care staff are now able to access testing. We will continue to hold the government to account for the promise it has made of 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month.
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.
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