Businesses now able to offer free COVID rapid home testing

From 6 April, the workplace testing programme will supply home test kits to companies with over 10 workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site, due to a lack of space or because companies operate across multiple sites.

Over 60,000 businesses across the country have already registered their interest to provide rapid tests to key workers, the government said.

Businesses must register interest by 12 April to access the free tests.

The self-test kits will be picked up by staff from their employer with clear instructions about how to take the test.

Staff will then complete the home test in the normal way, before reporting their results to the NHS using the provided gov.uk address.

The workplace testing programme uses lateral flow tests (LFD) to rapidly detect the virus in 30 minutes.

Swift detection of cases means those who test positive can isolate immediately and, in doing so, break chains of transmission and suppress the virus, the government said.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said rapid testing is a vital part of its roadmap, helping it to cautiously lift restrictions on our economy and society.

“Around one in three people with coronavirus do not have any symptoms, so extending employee testing from the workplace to the home will help us identify more cases we otherwise wouldn’t find, prevent further transmission and save lives,” Mr Hancock said.

“As well as reporting their result directly to the NHS, employees should advise their employer of a positive result and take a confirmatory PCR test. Employers will retain an important role in encouraging their employees to take and report the results of their test."