Preston and South Ribble residents who are unable to work from home are now able to get regular rapid Covid-19 tests.

The aim of the regular testing is to help keep essential workers, who still have to travel to work, safe by identifying those who are carrying the virus but are not showing symptoms.

This testing is not yet available to the general public and is specifically for those who must still travel to work but have no Covid-19 symptoms.

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said: “It is estimated that around one in three people may not show symptoms but are still infectious and could unknowingly pass on Covid-19 to colleagues or loved ones.

“It is vital that we identify these people and break the chains of transmission. This will ensure that the people of Lancashire who cannot work from home are protected at work and that businesses can continue to operate safely.

“If you cannot work from home and your workplace is not signed up to Lancashire’s workplace testing programme, please get tested regularly for Covid-19 at your nearest site.”

Read more: NHS urging residents aged between 60 and 63 to book in for Covid vaccine

Businesses across the county can also register for Lancashire’s workplace testing programme, so they can set up on-site testing facilities where staff can be trained to carry out testing on a regular basis.

A range of employers across the region, such as BAE Systems Air and Pendle Engineering have already started workplace testing with successful results.

Details of testing sites and how employers and businesses can get involved with workplace testing can be found here.

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