Coronavirus tests are now available for all key workers in Lincolnshire, including those self-isolating and not able to leave home, but how does the process work?
The facility at the Lincolnshire Showground, which is run by Boots and Serco, replaced three sites in Lincoln and Boston. It was opened on Sunday and carried out 155 tests in its first day. However, sites in Lincolnshire are unlikely to hit the 1,000 tests a day target by Friday, May 1, county health bosses have said.
In addition to the static testing site, Lincolnshire also has mobile units that visit various locations based on booked demand.
How to book a test
After booking a test online here, you will be offered a test appointment at your nearest available location (or a home test kit if appropriate). It is warned to not arrive at a test centre without an appointment. Priority must be given to the high numbers of people who have booked a test, means anyone just turning up would be unlikely to be seen.
If the test result turns out to be negative, you can safely return to work so long as you are well enough, have not had a high temperature for 48 hours and if anyone you live with also tests negative.
If the result is positive, or someone you live with tests positive, you cannot return to work and will need to continue to self-isolate. If your condition gets worse, or you do not get better after seven days, it is advised to use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service and to only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
If you are not an essential key worker you cannot apply for a test, but if you have symptoms it is advised to use the 111 online coronavirus service.
Who is testing available for?
Testing is available for all essential workers who are experiencing symptoms.
This includes those working in health and social care or providing essential public services and the following:
Anyone over 65 with symptoms
Anyone with symptoms who cannot work from home (for example, construction workers, shop workers, emergency plumbers and delivery drivers)
Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with any of those identified above
In addition, social care workers and residents in care homes are also being tested, both to investigate outbreaks and as part of a rolling programme to test all care homes. NHS workers and patients without symptoms are also being tested in line with NHS England guidance.
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Lincolnshire’s healthcare is preparing for winter with projects like acute respiratory hubs to address the expected surge in demand at this time of the year.
Rebecca Neno, Winter Director for the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, stressed the significance of these hubs for local respiratory care, addressing the NHS’s recurrent winter challenges. The Clinical Assessment Service, via the 111 helpline, swiftly connects Lincolnshire callers to local clinicians for home assessments.
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