Oldham businesses are being encouraged to remind their employees to test regularly for Covid-19 in an effort to avoid local outbreaks of the virus.
With positive cases continuing to be identified across the borough, the council is stressing the importance for workplaces to "remain as safe as possible" and the authority is ready to support with testing demand - including onsite testing for larger organisations.
Many workplaces have now welcomed staff back into offices for the first time since the pandemic began.
While the government advice recommends taking a rapid test twice a week, it’s likely some workers haven’t regularly taken part in this as they may not have felt the need to while being at home.
However, as they come into contact with more people, the council say it's important people play their part in stopping the virus from spreading.
This includes those who have already been double vaccinated, who can still contract the virus and infect others without knowing, with one in three people with Covid-19 currently not showing symptoms.
In addition to this, the council would like to remind local business owners to notify them of any positive cases in their workplaces, so the authority can quickly help to assess any outbreaks and establish close contacts.
Businesses seeking testing support can reach out by emailing bardoc.testingoldham@nhs.net and can report outbreaks to the local authority by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/outbreak_report
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, and we are still seeing new cases in Oldham every week.
“That’s why it is important for us all to continue treating the virus with caution, especially as workplaces have seen more staff back at work.
“Regular testing continues to play a massive part in how we prevent the spread of the virus and we thankfully have a great offer across our borough to assist with this.
“So, please remember to get tested twice a week, and if you own a local business and need our help, please get in touch as we are ready and waiting to support you.
“By working together, we can all help to prevent the virus from spreading in Oldham.”
Oldham has a number of rapid testing options available for residents without symptoms, including a community collect system at its local libraires and rapid testing sites located inside Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and Tesco Extra on Huddersfield Road.
Residents can also access free onsite COVID-19 tests at their local pharmacies although they are advised to be patient during the winter months as they can be busy during the week.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been advised to get a PCR test can book themselves in for a PCR at a number of sites across the borough.
The operating times of PCR sites in Oldham, which include Southgate Street, Peel Street in Chadderton, the Honeywell Centre and Higher Memorial Park in Failsworth, are 8am to 6pm.
For more information on Oldham’s testing offer, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/testing
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