The Department of Health and SocialCare updated theirEligibility Guidance to accommodate those wanting to arrange tests, including construction workers. The guidance states that those eligible for official government tests would include “anyone who goes into work because they cannot work from home (for example construction workers) and has symptoms”. 

Site workers who are showing COVID-19 symptoms can refer themselves for test appointments and home-testing kits. 

The test process involves taking a swab of your nose and back of your throat. This can be done by you or by someone else, should you need assistance.

Home testing kits can be delivered to your door so you can test yourself without leaving the house. If you have received a home testing kit, the instructions are in the pack. 

1 – Blow your nose first so nothing interferes with the test (do not touch the fabric end of the swab)

2 – Holding the stick end of the swab, rub the fabric end across your tonsils 5 times (If your tonsils have been removed, do this where they would’ve been)

3 – Remove the swab carefully, do not let it touch any other area of your mouth or teeth

4 – Using the same swab of your mouth, you need to insert this into your nose until you feel resistance. Rotate the swab 5 times. Carefully remove the swab and insert it into your other nostril and do the same.

5 – Unscrew the cap of the sample tube and insert the swab fabric end first. Snap off the stick at the “break point” (this is visible) screw the cap securely and wash your hands. 

6 – Place the barcode label over the end of the tube. This will be sent off for testing.

Other testing centres include Mobile testing units, satellite centres and NHS facilities.

A list of essential workers and those prioritised for testing in England only can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#essential-workers

If you have any questions, please call us on 0208 544 0944