Sector welcomes extension of virus testing to all key workers

The government’s move to widen eligibility for coronavirus testing to all key workers will make a “massive difference” to the sector, Energy UK has said.

All essential workers in England and members of their households who are showing symptoms of coronavirus will now be eligible to get tested for the disease, the government announced yesterday.

For utilities, this expands the pool of eligible workers from those working at critical national infrastructure installations, who have been able to access the tests since last Friday.

Key workers who are self-isolating because they or a household member has symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature or new continuous cough- can now either be referred by their employer for a test or book one directly.

Responding to the announcement, Marta Krajewska, deputy director of power at Energy UK, said: “This announcement from government will make a massive difference to the energy sector. We have called for testing to be opened up to a wider pool of key energy workers and not just those in critical national infrastructure installations.

“This expansion of testing ensures staff with Covid-19 symptoms in key roles won’t have to go into self-isolation unnecessarily. This should strengthen the workforce resilience of our energy system to the impact of the pandemic.”

She was backed up by a spokesperson for Energy Networks Association, who said the widening of testing eligibility would be a “massive help” to its members’ ability to plan their workforces.

Paul Fidler, director of operations at ENA, said: “Testing all key workers is critical in our efforts to manage the coronavirus pandemic and we welcome the government’s announcement.

Energy UK has been urging the government for weeks to allow key workers in the utility sector to access Covid-19 tests.

Essential workers logging onto a new portal can enter their details and will then receive a text or email the same day inviting them to either book an appointment at one of more than 30 drive-through testing sites across the country, or receive a home testing kit.

Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours, and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests.

The aim is that most people should not have to drive for more than 45 minutes to get to a regional testing site with additional testing methods being rolled-out to support accessibility.

However, the government’s test portal had to shut within minutes of going online this morning because it had been deluged by key workers seeking to obtain tests.

Sue Ferns, Prospect senior deputy general secretary, said: “This is an important and welcome development towards getting back on track but it needs to be done well and with accuracy. We have seen the problems with testing and everyone is aware of the problems with PPE supply. Issues such as making tests available close to where people live need to be resolved.

“Testing can only be part of the solution. Employers should be working with unions to ensure safe systems of work in this changed environment.”