We have recently launched a Covid-19 rapid testing programme as part of the Government’s UK-wide continuing drive to increase the availability of testing.

Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission.

We have received a batch of over 1000 lateral flow tests, provided by NHS Test and Trace, as part of a programme to enable testing in private industries. Testing began on 1^st February, with members of staff offered a weekly lateral flow test to help identify asymptomatic sufferers of Covid as early as possible. 

Jimmy Dickinson, Owner of Longley Farm, said:

The use of rapid weekly testing has been a really helpful addition to the Covid-safe measures we put in place at the dairy early last year. It is really important that we keep all our staff safe and well and, at the same time, do our bit by maintaining normal food supplies to the wider community. Rapid testing helps to identify asymptomatic cases sooner and so reduces the risk of spreading Covid-19. Coronavirus isn’t going to disappear overnight, so the way forwards is to find ways to manage it. What we are doing at Longley is a small but important part of the national drive to get on top of this virus.