As lockdown restrictions are set to ease, hospitality businesses in Cumbria are reminded they can access regular free workforce COVID-19 testing.
County health chiefs say that regular lateral flow testing of those without symptoms is a critical part of Cumbria’s strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
A statement from Cumbria County Council said: “Workforce testing helps spot new infections quickly, allowing action to be taken to prevent spread to other staff or the wider community. That’s good for businesses’ bottom-line and the county.”
There are two ways businesses can access free testing from the county council.
- The council helps set up an in-workplace testing programme run by the business.
Businesses get free tests, free delivery, free training, free PPE, free set-up and free ongoing support.
The council supplies free tests for employees to test themselves at home.
To find out more businesses should contact ask.LFT@cumbria.gov.uk
- For self-employed or very small businesses, it may be easier for to access testing via other routes that have been organised nationally.
More information about the options available can be found at https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/covidtesting
Cumbria’s director of public health, Colin Cox, said: “We’re already working successfully with lots of organisations and I’d strongly recommend any businesses that do not have workforce testing in place already to get in touch. It’s free, straightforward and will help them protect their business and the community.
“Hospitality businesses have been through a lot and it’s vital for the county’s economy that they get back on their feet and trading successfully again.
“Regular workforce COVID testing supports them to do that. Our experienced project team will work with businesses to find a solution that works for them.”
