With many businesses reporting sharp increases in absences due to Covid, the Prime Minister announced daily availability of lateral flow tests for a number of critical business areas, including food. Defra has since confirmed that the availability of these test kits will be determined for strategic areas of the food and drink sector only. Businesses deemed to fall into this category will be contacted by Defra before the end of the week.
If any business feels they are suffering critical problems because of staffing issues (above 25% staff absences) please contact us and we will forward to Defra for consideration. With only 100,000 kits available however their release will be strictly controlled.
As reported in the media, most parts of the UK have now moved to a 7, rather than 10-day isolation period with negative lateral flow tests required on days 5&6. Additionally, confirmatory PCR test requirements (for those who are asymptomatic) are being suspended whilst the number of cases remains so high.
