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Northern Irelto extend testing for coronavirus key workers

Northern Irelto extend testing for coronavirus key workers

Access to testing for those with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be extended across Northern Irelto include key workers who are self-isolating because they are symptomatic or because a household member is symptomatic.

Expansion of testing provision across Northern Irelis possible now with a third test centre opened in Craigavon to match those at SSE Belfast City of Derry Rugby Club.

Those eligible include:

  • Any central government department
  • Health Safety Executive
  • Those necessary to enable critical national infrastructure to continue to operate (e.g. utility, transport sectors)
  • Those necessary to support health wellbeing of community directly (e.g. funeral directors, refuse collectors, staff delivering key medical, energy, utility, transport food supplies, food production, agriculture food sectors, or supply pinch points)

Please note different procedures are in place for HSC staff, who will be advised of local testing arrangements by their line manager. 

Dr Bríd Farrell, Assistant Director of Service Development at Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “Testing will be provided to employees of key services with symptoms of COVID-19 and/ or to household members of these individuals with symptoms. Symptoms include a new continuous cough and/ or high temperature.

“Testing of workers who are self-isolating will allow them to discuss results with their employer with a view to agreeing a return to work date.”

Relevant employers will be provided with information on how their employees can make an appointment for a test through PHA’s booking system. Employees who meet criteria to be tested or have a family member who needs to be tested will be asked to contact their employer who will provide email details of booking system. On receipt of this email, PHA staff will contact them for further details book an appointment. Test results will be returned within 72 hours – until these are received individuals should continue to follow self-isolation advice.

Dr Farrell continued: “All centres are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week. Those attending must arrive by car follow instructions they have received. By attending with a prior appointment, this will enable test centres to run smoothly efficiently.

“Anyone who is eligible should speak to their employer about receiving a test.

“This is another significant step forward to increase access to testing of key workers as part of UK-wide coronavirus testing programme.”

Coronavirus National Testing Programme for key workers

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