All Essential Workers in England to Get Covid Tests If Showing Symptoms
The government has just announced a big step up in Covid testing for England’s essential and key workers. Anyone showing symptoms like a high temperature or continuous cough can now get tested. This comes as testing capacity shoots up with a massive new network of diagnostic labs launched in just five weeks.
Huge Testing Boost with New Lighthouse Labs
Three new Lighthouse Labs are now live in Milton Keynes, Glasgow, and Cheshire. These centres are manned by medical pros, the army, and volunteers. Health Secretary Matt Hancock unveiled a five-point plan aiming to hit 100,000 tests per day by the end of April. This includes NHS swab tests, commercial testing, antibody checks, surveillance, and a nationwide diagnostic effort.
How Essential Workers Can Book Their Tests
Essential and key workers—from NHS staff to delivery drivers and supermarket workers—can now register themselves and household members for testing via a new online portal. Employers can also book tests for their staff straight through GOV.UK.
Matt Hancock said: “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 can book tests. From tomorrow, workers can book their own appointments online. This also includes people living with essential workers.”
Local Testing Sites Open, Portsmouth Lead the Way
There are 30 drive-through test centres across the country, plus home testing kits for those who need them. Portsmouth’s Tipner Lorry Park has opened a testing centre offering up to 400 tests daily, seven days a week from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Test results from drive-through sites arrive within 48 hours, and home test results are back within 72 hours.
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said: “I’m really pleased to see testing extended to all key and essential workers. They keep our community running and safe. We must keep them healthy to stop the spread of coronavirus. The Portsmouth centre is a key part of this strategy for our residents.”
Plans for Mobile Testing Units to Roll Out Nationwide
The government is also developing new mobile testing units that can be set up in places like care homes, police stations, and prisons in just 20 minutes. Those tested via these mobile units will get results within 48 hours as part of the ongoing push to ramp up testing capacity.
