The Government has announced that all essential and key workers in England will now be tested if they have Covid-19 symptoms.
Essential workers can now register to get themselves, and the people that they live with, to be tested if they are experiencing symptoms – a high temperature or new continuous cough. All key workers from public servants, to supermarket staff, NHS staff to delivery drives will be able to book a test through a new online portal. Testing has been extended to all NHS and social care staff, care home residents and workers regardless of if they display symptoms of the virus or not.
Those with a clinical referral, aged 65 or over, or who must currently travel to work you can also register to get themselves, and the people that they live with, to be tested if they are experiencing symptoms – a high temperature or new continuous cough.
There are 30 drive-through testing sites across the country, or you can receive a home testing kit. Locally, a testing centre in Milton Keynes has opened where constituents will be able to access their test.
Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours, and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests.
On top of this, work will continue to ensure testing capacity will be expanded, including developing new mobile testing sites which will be able to reach care homes, police stations and prisons. These can be set up in 20 minutes and those tested will receive results within 48 hours.