The Prime Minister has confirmed the Government’s four‐step plan for a ‘cautious’ route out of lockdown in England. The current restrictions will be gradually relaxed, beginning with schools and colleges reopening from 8 March, and four specific tests will need to be met at each stage before further restrictions are lifted. The comprehensive roadmap confirms that individuals should continue to work from home where they can until at least 21 June, which is the fourth step and when social distancing measures will be reviewed.  The Scottish Government is expected to set out its plans for easing restrictions this week, with the Welsh Government due to review its current measures on 12 March and the Government of Northern Ireland on 18 March.

Build UK has published a simple guide to the Government’s workplace testing programme, which enables sites with 50 or more workers to undertake asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing. The guide explains the testing process and sets out the steps required to set up a testing site. Tests are being provided free of charge until at least 31 March 2021, and companies should read the guide before signing up via the Government’s online portal.

Businesses with fewer than 50 workers are currently not eligible for workplace testing; however, they can access the Community Testing Programme in their local area by using the new postcode checker or visiting their local authority website and searching ‘LFD testing’

Visit the FIS COVID-19 Hub here

Secretary of State Open Letter to Industry on Mass Testing