Wholesalers commit to Covid-19 rapid testing

Wholesalers have outlined their commitment to being involved in the government’s rollout of rapid Covid-19 testing at food and distribution sites.

At the end of last year, the government announced the rollout of rapid testing in food-production sites to reduce disruption to the UK’s supply chain.

Asked if Bestway would be participating, a spokesperson told Better Retailing: “We have been able to manage the testing well with the support provided by the local councils for each office and depot location.

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“If the government was to roll out mass testing, then we would be very supportive of any additional requirement.

“Certainly for our retail customers, we want them to have confidence that they are shopping in a safe environment [in depot], but the benefits of effective testing are there as a protection for each and every one us.”

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Steven Pickup, health and safety director at Spar wholesaler James Hall & Co, added the company has worked with Lancashire County Council to administer more than 4,000 tests last month. “We have had a positive response from staff across the company, and plan to continue testing until April, when we will review the situation,” he said.

Last month, Tesco UK chief executive Ken Murphy said the supermarket chain would be “keen” to get rapid testing rolled out to Booker sites.

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers