Guidance

Standard operating procedure framework for England, Northern Ireland and Wales: eligible high-risk settings

Updated 29 January 2024

This guidance was withdrawn on

This content is now available at COVID-19: guidance and support.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-testing-terms-and-conditions/workplace-testing-standard-operating-procedure-for-england-northern-ireland-and-wales

This page applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Introduction

This document provides clinical guidance for the following eligible high-risk settings using rapid lateral flow tests to identify positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Eligible high-risk settings include:

  • night shelters
  • hotels, hostels, and other temporary accommodation
  • outreach services including day centres
  • domestic abuse refuges
  • respite rooms

You must read and agree to this guidance to qualify for free testing.

Settings should follow instructions in the full Standard Operating Procedure. This will be emailed to each setting after they have self-referred and their eligibility has been verified.

Why testing is important

Rapid lateral flow tests are a fast and simple way to find people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, so they can adopt safer behaviours to prevent onward transmission and identify any outbreaks to reduce their duration and impact.

Testing:

  • identifies individuals who currently have COVID-19
  • protects unvaccinated and vulnerable people from infection
  • prevents and controls the spread of the virus by identifying asymptomatic cases

Using rapid lateral flow tests

Rapid lateral flow tests use either nose or throat and nose swabbing to help identify positive cases of COVID-19. They deliver accurate results within 30 minutes.

The testing method and time to deliver results depends on which test type is being used. Manufacturers’ instructions for use must always be followed.

Find detailed guidance and testing information on how to do a rapid lateral flow test for coronavirus on GOV.UK.

Ordering test kits

You can order COVID-19 tests for your organisation on GOV.UK.

You will be required to enter your 8-digit Unique Organisation Number (UON).

Storage of rapid lateral flow tests

Kits can be stored at room temperature:

  • store extraction solution at 2°C to 30°C
  • store the test cartridge at 2°C to 30°C

Organisation requirements

When taking part in testing, your organisation is expected to:

  • manage the space and avoid spread of COVID-19 infection
  • set up and market your test kit collection site to participants
  • staff your site according to the requirements for test kit collection
  • provide waste disposal facilities to your site operatives
  • encourage the reporting of results
  • keep a test kit log
  • report or encourage reporting of incidents relating to testing or test kits to UKHSA via 119
  • assist UKHSA with investigations into testing related incidents if required

Testing options

Testing model: self-collect

The organisation sets up a collection point where employees, volunteers, and service users can collect rapid lateral flow tests to self-test and self-report their results.

Testing regimes

Detailed information on testing regimes can be found on GOV.UK.

Collection of test kits

Staff can distribute tests to individuals collecting them at the setting. Individuals can collect rapid lateral flow tests to self-test.

Set-up

The layout of the setting and how it is organised will determine how to manage and avoid the spread of COVID-19.

These include:

  • whether individuals share living spaces
  • storage for your rapid lateral flow tests
  • making it accessible to all participants
  • complying with health, safety and fire regulations

Testing and reporting results

Participants for testing will be given rapid lateral flow tests. They will then need to complete the following steps:

1.Read the manufacturers ‘information for user’ guidance

  1. Self-swab to obtain a sample

  2. Analyse the sample and interpret the results

  3. Record the result online

You can find further guidance and testing information on how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 on GOV.UK.

Next steps

Individuals should continue to follow national guidance on living with COVID-19 where possible.

Settings should continue to follow sector specific guidance.Guidance for homelessness, domestic abuse refuge and respite room settings is available on GOV.UK.

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