February 2021
Rapid testing - Information
Sheet for Employers
WHAT IS RAPID TESTING AND WHO IS IT TARGETED AT?
To reduce the spread of coronavirus, Suffolk County Council is introducing rapid testing
for people who cannot work from home but may be carrying the virus and not have
any symptoms.
Rapid testing (also referred to as community testing or lateral flow testing) is a new tool
to help identify and isolate individuals who have COVID-19, but do not have symptoms
and may be spreading the virus to other people without knowing.
By having the test - which involves a swab of the nose and throat - results are available
within approximately one hour. The tests enable us to identify people carrying the virus
that we would not otherwise be able to find. Every positive individual detected who
then self isolates for the recommended time can help stop the chain of transmission
and prevent a potential outbreak in your workplace.
During lockdown, the testing is focused on individuals who are unable to work from
home, who may be at greatest risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
WHY SHOULD I ENCOURAGE MY STAFF TO GET TESTED?
An estimated one in three people with coronavirus do not have any symptoms, which
means an increased risk of spread going undetected. We have seen first-hand the impact
of large outbreaks and large numbers of staff having to self-isolate throughout the
pandemic, which can affect both productivity and business continuity.
Although the vaccine is coming it will take time before everyone is vaccinated. In the
meantime, rapid testing is an important new tool for preventing the spread of the
coronavirus and includes the following benefits to your business:
• Protects your employees’ health and that of your customers
• Identifies cases earlier, reducing likely spread
• Minimises disruption to your business due to large numbers of staff
needing to self isolate, and
• Provides your staff with free and easy to tests with results available quickly,
minimising disruption to your business.
To find your nearest testing centre and to book an appointment
Call: 0333 772 6144
WHAT DOES THE TEST INVOLVE?
Community testing uses a new test known as a Lateral Flow Test. The process involves the
individual attending a testing site and taking a simple swab from the throat and nose. The
swab is then processed at the testing site and the result sent to the individual within an hour
via text or email.
ARE THE TESTS ACCURATE?
No test is perfect. The most accurate test we have for COVID-19 is the PCR test, which
involves the swab being sent to a laboratory for analysis and is used for when people
have symptoms. PCR test results can take a day or so to come back but are usually
very accurate. This means that people can be reasonably confident in the outcome and
continue to self-isolate if the result is positive.
Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) give a much quicker result (usually within an hour) but these
tests are not as accurate as PCR tests. A negative LFD test is not a 100% guarantee that
you do not have the virus. However, lateral flow tests tend to detect individuals in their
most infectious period. As one in three people may have the virus and never get symptoms,
this can be a useful tool to find extra cases of COVID-19 before the virus is passed on.
Evaluation of the LFD tests, compared to PCR tests, show LFD tests pick up between five
out of 10 of the cases and nine out of 10 cases where the person has higher viral loads
(amounts of the virus in the nose and throat), and are most infectious.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Because of this, people should continue to “act like they have the virus” even if their LFD
test result is negative, ensuring that they continue to adhere to all the prevention of
transmission guidance, including to wash their hands frequently, socially distance and
wear face coverings. Also, this means regular testing is key, as if you are in contact with
other people regularly, you could have caught the virus and started to pass it on, even if a
recent test showed you are negative.
WHAT DOES THE TEST SHOW?
If someone tests positive at one of the community testing sites, they must self-isolate for 10
days. As of new guidance published on 27 January 2021, if someone has tested positive
and is isolating, they no longer need to arrange for a further PCR test. (NB In a few specific
cases, PCR tests may still be required. Please see the link below for the latest guidance.)
For those who are self-isolating, financial support may be available through the Government’s
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme. The Suffolk “Home, But Not Alone Service”
provides support for those who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable. Suffolk
Advice and Support Service is on hand to help with any financial, housing or debt enquiries.
If someone tests negative, the result only covers the moment in time when a test is
carried out. Therefore, individuals must continue to follow COVID-19 guidance such as
maintaining social distancing (that’s a 2metre distance between each other), regularly
washing hands, working from home if possible and wearing a face covering where advised.
To find your nearest testing centre and to book an appointment
Call: 0333 772 6144
HOW OFTEN SHOULD PEOPLE GET TESTED
We recommend your staff get tested twice per week, three to four days apart. By getting
into this routine, the risk of an infected person passing on the virus in the workplace is
minimised.
HOW DO PEOPLE BOOK A TEST AND WHERE ARE THEY AVAILABLE?
There are two community testing centres open - at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich
and University Centre, West Suffolk College, Western Way in Bury St Edmunds - available
from 8am to 7pm, seven days a week. More centres are being planned across the county
in major towns and villages over the forthcoming weeks.
To see the full list of locations, and to book an appointment, online visit:
www.suffolk.gov.uk/covid-19-asymptomatic-testing.
Bookings can also be made by telephone at 0333 772 6144.
WHAT IS THE ASK OF BUSINESSES?
We are asking businesses to:
• Promote the testing offer to staff who are unable to work from home
• Provide some flexibility to allow staff to get tested, and
• Contact the booking line on 0333 772 6144 if you plan to send a number
of members of staff for testing.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
To find out more about Suffolk’s rapid testing project, to book an appointment
and for regular updates
Call: 0333 772 6144
For more information about lateral flow testing
for-people-without-symptoms
OTHER USEFUL LINKS AND NUMBERS
• For more information about the Home, But Not Alone helpline, visit:
• Suffolk Advice and Support Advice provides free, confidential advice on
issues such as finance, housing, debt and a range of other support.
advice-and-support-service
