Daily testing began yesterday

Construction workers are among those now able to get asymptotic testing from Southwark council in a push to limit the spread of covid-19 among those who are unable to work from home.

Anyone in the south London borough who is required to work outside of their home will be encouraged to undergo a rapid covid test.

covid test centre

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The council wants builders to get lateral flow tests

The council said: 鈥淲e are currently encouraging key workers and those who can鈥檛 work from home to get a lateral flow test.

鈥淭his includes school staff, supermarket staff, transport workers, security guards, cleaners, construction workers and many other roles.鈥�

When , which are being carried out seven days a week at the Damilola Taylor Centre in Peckham, people will be asked for the reason they are carrying out a test.

The council said results were usually available within the hour and that they would notify NHS Test and Trace of any positive tests.

It comes as trade body BuildUK continues to push for the government to include construction in its asymptomatic testing programme.

Last week, health secretary Matt Hancock said the government was expanding its rapid testing programme to all local authorities 鈥� with a focus on testing those who had to leave home to work.

BuildUK said it was imperative the programme is rolled out to include construction as quickly as possible.

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