Hampshire mass testing programme set for roll out if government backs plan

A MASS testing programme could be rolled out across Hampshire as early as next month, it has been revealed.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Transport workers, childminders, retail staff, construction and maintenance workers as well as volunteers – including those supporting local councils and emergency services – could have access to rapid lateral flow tests from next month.

The move will aim to identify asymptomatic residents in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The news comes as Hampshire County Council confirmed that it is finalising a bid to government for support in setting up community testing sites across the county.

Covid testing being held for asymptomatic staff and students at University of Portsmouth in Milldam car park in September 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanCovid testing being held for asymptomatic staff and students at University of Portsmouth in Milldam car park in September 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Covid testing being held for asymptomatic staff and students at University of Portsmouth in Milldam car park in September 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Final locations are yet to be determined, the council said.

The authority confirmed the bid will be submitted ‘in the next few days’ but an exact date has not been revealed.

The council said it hopes to hear back from the government by mid February.

Read More
Resentful lover Gary Travers jailed for more than 14 years for trying to murder ...

If approved, the authority said it would hope to begin a phased roll-out of an initial six-week testing programme before the end of next month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a council statement said: ‘If we are successful in our bid, this testing option will be aimed at anyone who has to leave their home to get to work and where there may be a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

‘This includes local authority frontline workers, those who work in early years settings such as childminders and private nurseries, retail staff including supermarkets, construction and maintenance workers, transport workers and volunteers including those supporting local authorities and emergency services in providing a welfare response to local residents.’

Dr Simon Bryant, the Hampshire director of public health, previously said those who test positive will be asked to self-isolate and take a PCR test.

He added: ‘We know that one in three people with the virus may not have symptoms and therefore it is crucial that we have a testing option available that supports asymptomatic people to access testing quickly and easily.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘If our bid is approved, this community testing option will be available to those who are not able to work from home and who are not covered by an alternative workplace testing scheme.

‘Having access to fast and effective testing is key to helping limit the spread of the virus, both for those with symptoms, and for those without who may unwittingly be passing it on to others. Anything we can do to help prevent this, is very welcome.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.