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Construction workers will now be able to obtain a coronavirus test if they are showing symptoms of covid-19, under changes to government policy.
The government has been under pressure to increase testing to 100,000 people a week and today updated its guidance to include anyone who goes into work because they have symptoms among those eligible for testing.
The change applies to England only. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, testing is still only available for key workers.
In England, the full list for testing now includes:
- anyone who goes into work because they cannot work from home (for example, construction workers) and has symptoms
- all those working on the frontline in health and social care (with or without symptoms)
- patients in the NHS and residents in care homes (with or without symptoms)
- all other essential workers with symptoms
- people who live with essential workers and have symptoms
- people over 65 with symptoms.
To see the government’s full guidance, as well as for details on how to book a test, click here.