In addition to the lateral flow testing site in Accrington, open to key and essential workers, Hyndburn Borough Council have been working with local organisations and businesses to facilitate on-site testing for their employees.
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:
“Our Environmental Health Officers have been reaching out to larger businesses and organisations in Hyndburn over the last few months to offer them on-site lateral flow testing for their staff. It is wonderful that so many have taken up the offer and I would like to thank all the businesses that are involved. Asymptomatic testing of our essential workers means we can prevent community spread of the virus and is a key part of our recovery here in Hyndburn.”
The offer of on-site testing for workplaces is available to businesses with a large number of employees. Businesses who would like to take part are invited to get in touch by emailing: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
As lockdown eases and more business premises open Lateral Flow Testing will become a key part of keeping infection rates down. Easy to access testing will mean identification of asymptomatic employees and reduction of workplace outbreaks.
Miles continued:
“Two of the Hyndburn businesses taking part in Lateral Flow Testing, which is for people without symptoms, are Clayton Park Bakery and Studio Retail Group. Research shows up to 1 in 3 people can be carrying the virus, without having any symptoms. By identifying these cases it means further transmission to vulnerable members of the community can be prevented.”
Barry Thomas, managing director at Clayton Park Bakery said:
“We are delighted to be part of the lateral flow testing within our work premises to ensure the safety of our incredible dedicated workforce and mainly in order to keep our community safe and help take some of the pressure off the NHS.”
Paul Kendrick, CEO, Studio Retail Group said:
“In January we introduced on-site lateral flow Covid testing as part of our ongoing commitment to keep Studio.co.uk colleagues and their families safe.
“Staff members are encouraged to take a test each time they come to work which helps prevent the spread of the virus and protects the local community. We are grateful to Hyndburn Borough Council for supporting us in introducing this vital measure.”
Lateral Flow Testing (also known as SMART Testing) is also available for anyone who has to leave their house for essential work at Unit 4, Broadway, Accrington Town Centre. It is free, no appointment is needed and the facility is open 9:30am-4pm Monday to Saturday.
More information about SMART testing for businesses can be found at:
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/smart-mass-testing-for-workplaces/
For information about COVID-19 testing in Hyndburn please visit: