ovid-19 testing amongst NHS and care residence employees with no signs in England is to be “paused” on the finish of August, officers have introduced.
The Division of Well being and Social Care has introduced stated that the choice to cease all “asymptomatic testing” comes as instances of the virus proceed to fall.
Routine asymptomatic testing for the final inhabitants stopped earlier this 12 months and assessments have been now not free to entry for most of the people.
From 31 August, we’ll pause routine asymptomatic testing in most high-risk settings
However well being and social care leaders referred to as for testing amongst NHS and care employees to proceed amid excessive case numbers.
Testing for employees and sufferers with out signs continued in NHS, social care and a few jail settings.
The division stated that it made the choice to pause routine testing for most individuals with out signs from August 31, however it should resume the programme “ought to it’s wanted”.
Asymptomatic testing will stay in place for individuals being admitted hospices and for these going into care properties and for immunocompromised sufferers who’re being admitted to hospital, it stated.
Testing for individuals with signs will proceed in some NHS, social care and jail system settings.
It will embrace NHS employees with signs; sufferers who want a analysis to allow them to entry Covid-19 remedies; care residence and hospice employees; social care employees; hospice and care residence residents; jail employees and detainees and employees and repair customers of sure home abuse refuges and homelessness providers.
Well being and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay stated: “Due to the success of our world-leading vaccination roll-out, we’re capable of proceed residing with Covid and, from 31 August, we’ll pause routine asymptomatic testing in most high-risk settings.
“This displays the very fact case charges have fallen and the danger of transmission has diminished, although we’ll proceed to intently monitor the scenario and work with sectors to renew testing ought to it’s wanted.
“These being admitted into care properties will proceed to be examined.
“Our upcoming autumn booster programme will provide jabs to guard these at best danger from extreme Covid, and I urge everybody who’s eligible to take up the provide.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser to the UK Well being Safety Company, stated: “Covid case charges and hospitalisations are on the decline, demonstrating the optimistic impression of the vaccines, which stay our greatest type of defence. The info from our surveillance reveals prevalence is low and reducing, and we’ll proceed to watch this knowledge intently.
“If you’re invited to obtain a booster jab within the autumn, or in case you have not but had a Covid vaccine, please do take up the provide to guard your self and people round you.”
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