|
If a friend has forwarded this email to you, you can subscribe to email updates about Coronavirus for people who live and work in the Bradford district.
Bradford district breaks new ground as part of coronavirus testing trial for key job groups
WORKERS who routinely come into day-to-day contact with the public as part of their jobs are being encouraged to have coronavirus tests as part of a new national trial launched in Bradford.
The swab tests are being offered to bus drivers, taxi drivers, security guards and retail staff across the Bradford district, who are showing no symptoms of the virus.
Between Tuesday 14 July and Tuesday 28 July, workers in these job groups will be able to be tested at the new walk-in centre that opened last week in Bradford city centre at Centenary Square.
This will be the first time that people other than key workers, including those working in health and care settings, are being tested for the virus without showing any of its symptoms – such as a high temperature, or a new cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell.
Bradford is one of just four districts to secure funding from the Department of Health and Social Care to take part in the two-week programme, alongside Oldham, Newham and Brent.
Director of Public Health at Bradford Council, Sarah Muckle, said:
“National evidence shows some groups of professionals are at higher risk as they come into contact with more people.
“These are the workers we are now targeting as part of this trial and we hope as many as possible from four groups take advantage of this testing opportunity.
Leader of Bradford Council, Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “We are pleased to be at the forefront of yet another initiative to help contain the spread of coronavirus in our communities and ensure we are free of it faster.”
“Thanks to a lot of hard work, we are seeing our infection rates starting to fall gradually. Yet Bradford district is still experiencing high levels of coronavirus compared to other areas and everyone must remain vigilant.
“Offering tests to people on the front line will give them the confidence to know that they are COVID free and if they aren’t they’ll be able to protect themselves and their friends and colleagues by self-isolating immediately. As well as safeguarding themselves, they are safeguarding their customers.
Throughout the lockdown, taxi drivers, bus drivers, security guards and retail staff have been doing a brilliant job at keeping the economy moving in Bradford. I want to thank them for all they are doing but we also have a duty to our key worker heroes to support them to keep healthy and well as they go about their working day.
She added: “Working together in this way plays a key role in lowering the risks of the virus spreading in Bradford district, reduces the threat of a second wave, and removes the possibility of a local lockdown similar to that imposed on Leicester.
“It also helps us to understand more about the virus.”
Workers in the four job groups in the trial can be tested at special sessions held between 6pm - 8pm 7-days-a-week throughout the trial fortnight.
They are encouraged to book in advance, either by calling 119 or going online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Drop-in tests may be available but cannot be guaranteed and will take longer so please do try to book in advance to help the testing go as smoothly as possible.
An ID will be required, a face covering will need to be worn, and social distancing must also be followed at all times, when at the site and while travelling to and from it.
Test results will not be held by the council. The testing site will send you your test results by email and text message within 24 – 72 hours of completing the test. If you don’t have an email address or a phone number, you can contact 119 for your results.
If anyone in the trial tests positive, they will be asked to follow this advice and self-isolate at home:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/what-your-test-result-means/
This pilot scheme is taking place exclusively at the Centenary Square testing centre.
Any member of the public who is experiencing symptoms of the virus can also attend this site, as well as the Bradford University drive-through testing centre at Horton Road, or ask for a home-testing kit, either by calling 119 or online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Coronavirus links for businesses
Bradford Council’s Invest in Bradford team can help with guidance and support with all aspects of business planning and grant funding. Email: info@investinbradford.com, or call 01274 437727.
For local advice visit Bradford Council’s Covid-19 business support page.
For national guidance visit the UK Government website.
|
