NHS launches asymptomatic coronavirus test deployment this week

Asymptomatic testing will begin nationwide this week.

The Covid-19 Symptomless People Community Test targets essential workers during the third national blockade.

Approximately 1 in 3 people have Covid-19 with no symptoms.

Lateral flow tests will be launched in local governments within a few days to ensure asymptomatic individuals with coronavirus isolates.

Looking for today’s top story in one place? Sign up for our newsletter here..

These lateral flow tests can return results within 30 minutes without having to send them to the lab.

Health Minister Matt Hancock said: “Rapid and regular inspections are led by local governments that design programs based on in-depth knowledge of the local population, so inspections can have the greatest impact.

“We are currently expanding this offer to all municipalities across the country, asking employers to test workers who are unable to work from home during this national blockade, while asking employers to work. We are asking you to work together to extend the test.

“The lateral flow test has already been very successful in quickly finding positive cases, and all positive cases found have helped stop the epidemic. Therefore, employers and workers. We encourage you to accept this offer. Now we all have to do everything we can to stop the Covid epidemic. “

To date, 131 municipalities have registered for community testing across the UK, and 107 have already begun testing.

NHS Test and Trace works with each of the 317 local governments in the United Kingdom to appropriately scale community testing.

It will be deployed during the blockade and will be reviewed regularly.

The use of the lateral flow test for community testing has already identified more than 14,800 positive Covid-19 cases.

NHS Test and Trace works with community testing to scale up workforce testing in collaboration with the government sector.

There are 15 large employers already engaged in regular workforce test pilots, conducting an estimated 27,000 tests across the public sector.

Greg Jackson is the CEO and founder of Octopus Energy, one of the first companies to participate in the Mass Test Pilot Scheme.

He states: “We started testing in December, but it was so well received by our staff that we continue to test this year.

“I’m very proud of the Octopus Energy team who worked incredibly hard to care for our customers this year, and whenever I need to go to the office, all of Covid-19. An office where almost everyone takes the test, strictly following the guidelines. “

Apetito is another company participating in the pilot scheme.

Lee Sheppard, Director of Corporate Affairs and Policy at Apetito, said: “Apetito and its sister company, Wiltshire Farm Foods, play an important role in providing food during the Covid crisis.

“We serve the most vulnerable and at risk through hospitals, long-term care facilities, nurseries, schools, and Meals on Wheels and Wiltshire Farm Foods.

“At Covid, our service is more important than ever, as many vulnerable customers may rely solely on us to serve food.

“Therefore, it is important to be able to continue to operate front-line services.

“By working with the government to quickly implement mass testing programs across manufacturing and distribution sites, we have built resilience into our business, and our staff and customers are committed to supporting safety at work. I was convinced that I was doing everything I could. “

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said: “The latest extension of this test program is based on millions of critical asymptomatic workers tested weekly, including NHS patient care and care home staff.”

They further stated that existing plans for rapid inspection of secondary and college students and primary school staff are still in place.

This includes secondary school testing sites that have begun testing staff and students who are still in school during the blockade. Similarly, weekly tests will begin “soon” for elementary school staff.

A spokeswoman added, “We will continue to work with delegated authorities on plans for community testing in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”