Lateral flow testing North Yorkshire

What is workplace testing?

Workplace testing is available to all business and uses lateral flow devices (LFDs) so testing can be carried out and results received in under 30 minutes to try and reduce the risk of infection.

This testing is aimed at people who do not have symptoms who would otherwise not have been detected. You should isolate and book a coronavirus test if you have symptoms.

A negative lateral flow test result does not mean that an individual definitely does not have COVID-19 and that there is therefore no risk.

The benefit of lateral flow tests is that they can provides results quickly, without the need for delay in sending swabs to a laboratory. However, as with many tests, decreasing turnaround time means that there is also a decrease in accuracy.

Individuals with a negative lateral flow test result should continue to practice social distancing, handwashing and wearing face coverings, and all other existing infection prevention measures to try and decrease the spread of disease.

Lateral flow tests are not currently approved for serial testing of close contacts to bypass the need to self-isolate.

Positive tests

If employees test positive for Covid-19 they need to self-isolate immediately for a period of 10 days. If employees will miss payment due to self-isolation, they can apply for support through their district council website. You can find links to their websites and more support on our help for your business during coronavirus (Covid-19) page.

While self isolating, employees should contact family, friends, neighbours or groups to let them know how they can help. If there is no one to support them with things like shopping, collecting medication or other essentials our customer service centre is available on 01609 780780 seven days a week, 8am to 5:30pm. You can see more information about the support available on our help for you during coronavirus (Covid-19) page.