Retailers in England are being urged to participate in the government’s free Covid-19 testing programme following the expansion of a smaller rollout earlier this year.
In January, councils across England offered Covid-19 testing, otherwise known as lateral-flow tests, to selected businesses as part of a drop-in service.
The twice-a-week testing is now available to all retailers, including those with fewer than 50 employees.
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Retailers can receive kits to conduct the tests at work and they will receive a result within 30 minutes.
Alternatively, they can check if their local councils are offering the tests at drop-in centres.
The tests are free until June, but store owners and their employees must register by 31 March.
The government warned regular testing could be the difference between a store being able to stay open, or having to close due to an outbreak.
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A similar scheme being rolled out in Northern Ireland has been criticised by Retail Northern Ireland chief executive Glyn Roberts for excluding many independent retailers. He said: “This is a welcome initiative, and we look forward to working with the Department of Health on its rollout.
“However, its initial step only includes businesses with more than 50 employees, and this would clearly rule out most independent essential grocery retailers being able to avail of this testing programme.”
Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers
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