Redcar and Cleveland businesses, employees, families of school pupils and school staff are being encouraged to make the most of free rapid coronavirus tests.
A number of Government schemes are in place for people to get tested as restrictions begin to lift.
Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don't have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus in workplaces without knowing. Rapid testing detects cases quickly – in under 30 minutes – meaning positive cases can isolate immediately, breaking chains of transmission.
Regular testing could be the difference between a workplace being able to stay open and operational, or needing to close due to a COVID-19 outbreak. It is recommended that people should be tested twice a week.
The schemes in place are:
Testing for business employees, families and school staff
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has a number of rapid coronavirus home testing kits for employees who work in close proximity with members of the public or those not able to strictly social distance as part of their job such as those who work in beauty, spas, gyms, retail, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets.
These home test kits will also be available for collection for any members of households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges.
From Tuesday 6 April, these home testing kits can be collected from any of the asymptomatic testing sites in Loftus Fire Station, Redcar Leisure Centre and South Bank's Golden Boy Green centre. The opening times are as follows:
Redcar Leisure Centre, Ridley Street, Redcar, TS10 1TD
- Monday, 8.00am – 1.00pm;
- Tuesday, 1.30pm – 6.30pm;
- Wednesday, 8.00am - 1.00pm;
- Thursday, 1.30pm – 6.30pm;
- Friday, 8.00am – 1.00pm.
Loftus Fire Station, Coronation Rd, Loftus, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 4SW
- Monday, 8.00am – 12.00pm;
- Tuesday, 8.00am – 12.00pm;
- Thursday, 2.00pm – 6.00pm;
- Saturday, 9.00am – 1.00pm
Golden Boy Green Community Centre, Normanby Road, South Bank, TS6 6SD
- Mondays – 8am to 12pm;
- Wednesdays – 8am to 12pm;
- Thursdays – 8am to 12pm;
- Fridays - 8am to 12pm.
Coronavirus home testing kits can be ordered by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Workplace testing
If a business has 10 or more employees, they will be able to order tests for their employees to collect from their workplace and use at home twice a week. Businesses can do this if they cannot provide testing in the workplace.
This is part of a government workplace testing scheme and businesses will need to register by 12 April.
To register your business, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests
Before you start, you'll need:
- the name of your company;
- your company registration number;
- an email address.
Asymptomatic testing for all adults
The testing sites in Loftus, Redcar and South Bank also offer rapid coronavirus tests for anyone not displaying coronavirus symptoms. Anyone aged 18 or over – irrespective of where they live – can book a test by visiting www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or calling the contact centre on 01642 774774. There are also a number of walk-in appointments available so the public can visit the site for a test during opening hours.
The testing will be supported by trained staff and the lateral flow tests will allow residents to test themselves before the results are analysed on-site.
From 30 March 2021 all individuals who receive a positive Lateral Flow test result will need to take a follow-up PCR test, which can be taken at a test site or at home.
These services are not for people who have symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should follow the guidance online on how to book a test – https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test – or call 119. Lines are open 7am to 11pm. You will also need to need to stay at home and self-isolate.
Councillor Steve Kay, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “These initiatives will help our local businesses identify positive asymptomatic staff members before they are due to come into work, protecting their workforce, business and customers.
“This could prevent temporary closures of businesses by decreasing the possibility of an outbreak, and it stops further transmission of this virus. Remember, one in three people with coronavirus do not have any symptoms and could be unknowingly passing the virus onto others.
“Workplace testing is free until the end of June, so we would encourage our local business owners to make the most of it while it's available. Members of the public including key workers, families, and those who cannot socially distance from customers should take up other opportunities to get themselves tested to protect their loved ones and their community."