There are two different ways to test for coronavirus taking place in the East Riding - for those who have symptoms, and regular testing for critical workers who do not have symptoms.
This is called a Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (PCR).
This test is for individuals who are experiencing symptoms. You may have already had one at a local testing site or know somebody who has been. You can also order a home test if you can’t visit a local testing site.
The PCR test is a swab that is sent to a lab for testing. Most people get their result the next day by email or text (or via the Test and Trace app if you use it), but it may take up to 3 days.
Visit GOV.UK to book or order a test
You can also call 119.
The ‘Asymptomatic Testing Programme’ is a regular testing programme for critical workers who are not showing symptoms. With around 1 in 3 people not displaying symptoms of COVID-19, testing those without symptoms (asymptomatic) is vital to breaking chains of infection and transmission.
Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) are a really important tool as we all work together to control the spread of COVID-19. These tests enable a fast, regular and easy option for anyone who is a critical worker to see if they have coronavirus.
These tests do not have to be processed in a laboratory and will show if someone is infectious at the time of testing. A lateral flow test takes about 10 minutes to complete and results are usually received within an hour.
Testing is targeted at eligible organisations which include critical workers who cannot work from home and come into contact with others, including those who work with vulnerable people.
Eligible organisations now have access to two channels of testing:
This type of Lateral Flow Testing is provided by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s public health team at local testing sites across the East Riding.
These sites enable critical workers such as some East Riding of Yorkshire employees, emergency services staff, key workers such as bus drivers or funeral directors, volunteers and carers to regular LFT tests.
It is also available for businesses who employ up to 250 critical workers who are unable to work from home.
If you think your business is eligible to receive access to targeted community testing, read more below:
More about eligibility and registering for targeted community testing
What is 'targeted community testing'?
Targeted community testing is coordinated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council's public health team and provides access to asymptomatic Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) for:
critical workers who cannot work from home during the national lockdown
eligible businesses that are unable to access testing provided through other channels.
How will testing take place?
East Riding currently has 8 testing sites across the East Riding:
Haltemprice Leisure Centre
Francis Scaife Leisure Centre (Pocklington)
Withernsea Leisure Centre
Hornsea Leisure Centre
Bridlington Leisure Centre
Goole Leisure Centre
Beverley Leisure Centre
Bishop Burton College
Employees will be able to access the test twice a week. Minimum once per week.
A four-digit PIN code will be provided to employees which provides access to the online booking system. This PIN code also allows critical workers to access tests at any of the 8 lateral flow testing sites.
Eligibility
Testing is targeted at eligible groups which include critical workers who cannot work from home and come into contact with others, including those who work with vulnerable people.
Critical workers are those whose work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and EU transition response including those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors such as education, key public services, food and other necessary goods, public safety and national security, utilities and financial services.
Such organisations and individuals could include:
Prioritised small or local public sector organisations*
Prioritised charities and voluntary groups*
Prioritised education or childcare settings not covered by existing schools testing, such as private nurseries, children homes and childminders*
Small or local private sector businesses providing key public services and unable to access institutional testing, such as waste management, public transport, taxi firms, power and water companies
Small or local businesses (generally less than 50 staff), sole traders or self-employed citizens
Medium sized local businesses (generally businesses between 50 and 250 staff) unable to practically access institutional testing
Eligible ‘cohorts’, or groups, have been identified and prioritised by the local authority, in line with the current UK Government guidance. If automatically eligible, you will have received information from East Riding of Yorkshire Council offering access to asymptomatic testing. If you haven’t received such communication, you can still apply for testing if you believe you are eligible.
How to apply for targeted community testing
If your organisation is eligible for targeted community testing, complete the following form to express an interest in receiving testing:
Register for targeted community testing for critical workers
Please note: In the form you will need to:
Provide details of your organisation including name, type, location.
Confirm how many employees are critical workers who cannot work from home.
Confirm how many employees are in your entire workforce, which will need be to less than 250 staff (if you have more than 250 staff, read about institutional testing).
Confirm if you currently have access to any asymptomatic testing.
Provide information supporting your request, for example, about the work you do and why you require access to the testing programme.
Provide contact details
This type of Lateral Flow Testing is provided by NHS Test and Trace who will provide kits to allow asymptomatic testing to be carried out on-site in the workplace.
It is available for businesses who employ over 50 critical workers who are unable to work from home.
If you think your business is eligible to receive access to institutional testing in the workplace, read more below:
More about eligibility and registering for institutional testing
What is institutional testing?
The government is offering ‘Institutional Testing’, which will be available to organisations with more than 250 employees who are providing critical services.
This involves having asymptomatic testing on-site in the workplace. Staff will self-administer the tests.
NHS Test and Trace will provide tests, other peripherals, standard operating procedures, training and other guidance (tests will be provided free to private institutions until the end of March).
Eligibility
Testing is targeted at eligible groups which include critical workers who cannot work from home and come into contact with others, including those who work with vulnerable people.
Critical workers are those whose work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and EU transition response including those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors such as education, key public services, food and other necessary goods, public safety and national security, utilities and financial services
Eligible organisations will be:
Businesses (both public and private) with over 250 staff.
Medium size businesses (both public and private) with between 50 and 250 staff can access asymptomatic testing through institutional testing and should do so wherever possible.*
How to apply
Eligible businesses can now register their interest online at GOV.UK:
What happens after you apply
An invitation to an introductory webinar (1 hour long) will be made. This will explain in detail everything you need to know before setting up a testing site in your workplace.
You will be invited to review a set of documents including terms and conditions, which need to be signed before you then place your order.
It currently takes an average of 7 days between submitting your order and receiving the tests.
For any queries, email P-and-PSector@dhsc.gov.uk