Lateral Tests for Frontline Workers

South Tyneside Council is offering lateral flow tests to staff from the emergency services and other key partners as well as its own frontline workers in a bid to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Business-critical staff within the Council and South Tyneside Homes, such as those working in social care or enforcement, have been invited to take the tests. The rapid turnaround tests have also been offered to staff from partner organisations such as Age Concern and Northumbria Police.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: "Lateral flow tests are used in people who are not showing any symptoms of Covid-19. We know one in three people without symptoms may actually be infectious without being aware. These tests will help us quickly identify those people and have them self-isolate. I would also like to remind  those testing negative to continue to socially distance, wear a face covering, wash their hands and follow the guidance."

She added: "We understand the Department of Health and Social Care has plans to introduce lateral flow testing for emergency services. However, as this is not yet in place we felt it only right to offer the tests to frontline police now to fill the gap. By offering the tests to our key partners we will hopefully be able to reduce the spread of the virus still further."

The tests have been welcomed by partners. Grahame Cassidy, Chief Officer of Age Concern Tyneside South said: "The addition of Age Concern Tyneside South's staff to the lateral flow testing program has given both our staff and clients peace of mind and enabled us to do more of the things that matter to our clients."

The lateral flow tests are currently by invitation only. However, there are plans to expand testing to wider staff and potentially small businesses from other sites in the Borough at a later date.

Any businesses which employ more than 50 staff can request lateral flow tests from the government. Visit www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests for more information.

Residents are reminded that that if anyone has symptoms of Coronavirus, they should visit one of the testing sites at Temple Park car park or Chuter Ede Community Association in South Shields or the old Jarrow Library site in Jarrow.