Council starts lateral flow test scheme

IN A BID to stop transmission of the coronavirus, Wokingham Borough Council is expanding its regular testing services, writes Charlotte King.

As part of its Lateral Flow Testing pilot scheme, it will begin offering rapid tests to all key workerswho must leave home for work or critical duties.

This includes postalworkers, private nursery staff and childminders, and supermarket staff.

The council hopes that by doing so, any asymptomatic patients can be caught early to prevent them spreading the virus.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “Breaking the Covid chain is so important to stop the virus from spreading andwe urge residents that need to leave home forwork to come forward for a test.”

He says Lateral FlowTests should be done once or twice a week.

“By offering regular rapid testing to keyworkerswho do not currently have access to it through national testing programmes, we wish to lower the risk of Covid-19 and help restrict the spread of the viruswithin the borough,” Cllr Margetts added.

“Aswe continue to expand our

Lateral FlowTesting pilot and help even more people get tested, we’ve also created an additional number of job opportunities for local people.”

Wokingham Borough Council is in the process of creating two new rapid test sites, alongside a mobile outbreak response unit.

“Wewill keep our residents informed about our Lateral Flow Testing programme as andwhen it is necessary,” Cllr Margetts continued.

“We must stress, however, that a negative result does not give people immunity and should not be used as an excuse to bend the rules under current restrictions.

“We understand howdifficult this can be and have a range of support measures in place to help residents, from access to food and help through the One Front Door scheme to a one-off Self Isolation Support Payment for thosewho cannotwork from home.”

For more information about self-isolation support, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/health/ public-health-campaigns/coronavirusgrants-and-payments/apply-fordiscretionary-test-and-trace-supportpayments

For more information about lateral flow tests, visit: www.wokingham. gov.uk/health/public-healthcampaigns/lateral-flow-testing