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Small businesses in Essex encouraged to set-up Covid testing for employees

12th May 2021
Posted by Aston Avery

As part of the ongoing testing rollout in Essex, all businesses with under 50 employees are now being encouraged to have their staff, who are not showing Covid-19 symptoms, regularly tested to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and potential workplace outbreaks.

Companies with 1-49 employees, who cannot work from home, are being offered the chance to set up testing provision at their place of work. Essex County Council (ECC) will provide support to enable them to do this, including training for staff and testing kits.

Businesses that fit this criteria and interested in setting up a testing provision at their place of work should visit essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19/workplace-testing where they can fill in an online form and a member of ECC staff will get in touch with them.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health at Essex County Council, said:

“We know workplaces are doing what they can to limit the spread of Covid-19 and increased and regular testing will further support these efforts, allowing businesses to stay on top of any potential outbreaks.

“Where possible, businesses should be allowing employees to work from home, however we understand that this is not always an option. For those that can’t, we are providing support by ensuring testing is available.

“Regular testing will not only provide employees with reassurance that they do not have the virus, it will also help to increase customer confidence in businesses where employees are required to interact with members of the public on a regular basis.”

Rapid tests are quick and easy to do, and with 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 show no symptoms, it’s essential that everyone tests themselves regularly to help contain any outbreaks, particularly as we follow the government’s roadmap out of the pandemic.

Anyone who tests positive after taking a rapid test must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test to confirm the result.

There is financial support available if an individual is required to self-isolate and is unable to go out to work during the isolation period.

 Any residents who are showing Covid-19 symptoms should continue to book a PCR Covid-19 test as normal.