The Government has extended its testing programme and everyone in England is now able to access two free rapid COVID tests a week. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately, and by making these tests available to everyone, more cases will be detected, breaking chains of transmission.

People can take the test at home using the NHS’s home ordering service or collect from local test sites and participating pharmacies. Find out where you can obtain these free tests here.

These rapid lateral flow tests show results in under 30 minutes. If you get a positive test you should self-isolate and then get a PCR test to confirm the result. Lateral flow tests are not 100% accurate but very good at identifying those who are the most capable of passing on the virus.

The RRT would recommend that as many employees, contractors, and their family members as possible utilise these free tests. As restrictions ease and inter-household mixing becomes more common, it is an important way to protect yourself, your family, and your colleagues.