Fire crews get rapid testing for virus at stations
TWO fire stations now have their own rapid testing sites to help keep crews safe and allow them to continue their frontline work during the pandemic.
The coronavirus testing facilities have been set up at Wallsend and Tynemouth’s fire stations after training and advice was provided by
North Tyneside
Council.
Symptomfree firefighters and support staff can now get twiceweekly tests, with results received within an hour.
The tests can help to identify anyone who may have Covid but are showing no symptoms and could therefore be unwittingly passing the virus on to others.
Peter Heath, deputy chief fire officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Rapid testing is a key strand in enhancing health surveillance in our workforce.
“We introduced lateral flow testing at our service headquarters in February, and we are delighted, with the support of North Tyneside Council and the director of public health, to introduce rapid flow testing at our fire stations in Wallsend and Tynemouth.
“This is a key step for us to support our firefighters and staff for their safety and ensuring that we maintain our ability to keep responding. “Our robust risk assessments, appropriate PPE and following of the guidance from the Government are all key to keeping our workforce safe.” Wendy Burke, North Tyneside’s director of public health, said: “We are delighted to have supported and provided training so the fire service could set up its own in-house rapid testing.
“It is essential we ensure members of the blue-light services can continue to carry out their vital roles during the pandemic and do so safely – and rapid testing has a role to play in helping them to do so.
“Up to a third of people with Covid-19 may not display symptoms but are still infectious and can spread the virus. This testing will help to prevent outbreaks within the fire service and the wider community.
“It’s important that everyone remembers that even if someone tests negative, they continue to follow public health and Government advice.”
Meanwhile, the council’s rapid community testing has been extended for anyone without symptoms who can’t work from home.
Those using it so far have included postal workers, bank staff, bus and taxi drivers, nursery workers, carers and journalists.
The testing centre is at the Riverside Centre, in North Shields, and is open seven days a week. Appointments must be booked at www.bookwhen.com/northtyneside.
Testing for people with symptoms remains in place. Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate immediately and book a test by calling 119 or via www.nhs.uk/ coronavirus.
It is essential we ensure the blue-light services can carry out their roles during the pandemic Wendy Burke