Rapid testing initiative launches for frontline council workers

Rapid-turnaround lateral flow testing for the Covid-19 virus is now being offered by Stockport Council for its frontline workers, and those from partner organisations.

For staff who cannot work solely from home, and in particular those working with the over 70s, are being invited by Stockport Council to receive the tests as part of measures to continue driving down coronavirus transmission. Testing is voluntary, and only takes a few minutes with results returned to mobile phones in 30 minutes.

Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 show no symptoms. Rapid testing can help identify people who may be spreading the virus without knowing it, ensure they self-isolate, and break chains of transmission. However, a positive or negative result will not remove the need to follow existing Covid-19 measures socially and in the workplace.

Cllr Jude Wells, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health, said:

It’s important we look for ways to protect critical workers and the communities within which they work. In line with guidance, council staff are working at home where possible, but for those staff that need to work within the community in vital support roles, we’re introducing rapid testing. Lateral flow tests will be a useful tool in identifying the 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 but don’t show symptoms, who otherwise could be spreading the virus without their knowledge, so we can support them to isolate and break the chain of transmission and help slow the spread and protect other people . This is an important way to protect those at highest risk.”

The Council’s targeted rapid testing for its workers will complement existing national coronavirus testing. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should book a free NHS test using the GOV.UK website or by calling 119.