Fylde Council has welcomed another major employer’s commitment to SMART testing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep local communities safe.
Atos UK & Ireland, has set up on-site testing at its facilities in Lytham.
With support from Fylde Council, Lancashire County Council and Public Health England, staff are being trained on how to administer the COVID-19 Lateral Flow Test.
Richard Hurt, Health Protection Practitioner at Fylde Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to have worked alongside the team at Atos UK & Ireland to set up their on-site testing facilities.
“SMART testing is playing a major role in helping to stop the spread of the virus. On site testing facilities within large workplaces and our SMART testing centres located across Fylde are making a real difference.
“People take a quick and simple lateral flow test and get the results within minutes. It gives them peace of mind that they are not spreading the virus to colleagues, loved ones and the wider local community.”
A spokesperson from Atos UK and Ireland stated: “We found the path to setting up lateral testing an extremely positive and collaborative experience with Fylde & Lancashire councils and Public Health England.
“From initial enquiry to having the first tests carried out within a matter of days, helping to identify asymptomatic colleagues was a critical aspect of our business continuity planning at our Lytham site.
“Colleagues are now being trained to operate an onsite COVID-19 Lateral Flow Testing area to rapidly identify asymptomatic cases therefore providing self-sufficiency and further reassurance.“
People who cannot work from home and do not workplace testing facilities can attend one of four SMART testing located across the borough here:
- Monday – AFC Fylde Education Centre, Mill Farm, Kirkham
- Wednesday – St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Church Road, Lytham
- Thursday – St Annes United Reformed Church, St George’s Road, St Annes
- Friday – Kirkham Community Centre, Mill Street, Kirkham
No appointment is necessary and the test is free of charge. It is recommended that attendees bring their smartphone and do not eat or drink 20 minutes prior to the test. Each of the testing centres is open from 9:30am – 4pm.
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