Community coronavirus testing in Norfolk and Waveney now available to “key workers” (and/or household members with symptoms).

The NHS in Norfolk and Waveney is offering local coronavirus tests to key workers* such as teachers or food industry staff, to help them remain in work and continue to support their communities. This also applies to members of their household who may have coronavirus symptoms causing the key worker to self-isolate.

Testing will take place at three locations in Norfolk and Waveney:

· The Centrum centre, close to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH)

· The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (QEHKL)

· The James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) in Gorleston.

(See below if you would rather be tested at Ipswich, Stansted or Peterborough)

To book using the Norfolk and Waveney service:

People on the government key workers* list who need to be tested should ask their employer or line manager to register their organisation by emailing NorfolkRegistercovidtesting@nnuh.nhs.uk with their (employer) name, job title and contact number. The registration team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital will then contact the employer to register their organisation so they their key workers can then book an appointment. The employer will be given a unique reference number and further instructions.

All applications will be checked to make sure people are well enough to attend a testing centre, and eligible for a test in line with Public Health England guidance.

People will receive their test results within 48 hours or less, either directly or via their employer’s occupational health service, together with initial advice about to what to do next.

Appointments at Ipswich, Stansted and Peterborough or other centres

If you wish to be tested at any of the national drive-through testing centres, such as Ipswich, Stansted, Peterborough and elsewhere, then you must use the national booking service. For self-referrals, this is via https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk.

Who are key workers?

* Key workers include many people working in education, transport, many public services, energy, power and water/sewerage workers, and those working to provide, distribute or sell food. The precise definition is available on this government web page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#key-workers.