Emergency services can now access COVID-19 testing

All essential workers in England that are showing symptoms of coronavirus, including the emergency services and the people they live with, will now be able to get tested.

Other essential workers include NHS and care staff, teachers, hospital cleaners, public servants, supermarket staff, delivery drivers, and other critical infrastructure staff.

This will mean individuals and people they live with will have the reassurance of knowing whether their symptoms are caused by coronavirus and can decide whether they are well enough to return to work.

Booking the test is via a new online system. Employers can register and refer self-isolating staff, and employees will be able to book a test directly for themselves or members of their household who are experiencing symptoms – a high temperature or new continuous cough.

Essential workers using the new portal can enter their details and will then receive a text or email the same day inviting them to either book an appointment at one of more than 30 drive-through testing sites across the country, or receive a home testing kit.

Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours, and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests.

The aim is that most people should not have to drive for more than 45 minutes to get to a regional testing site.