From April 6th, businesses employing 10 or more people will be able to offer staff testing kits to take home, if on-site testing is not possible.

The idea of the initiative is minimise the amount of staff shortages and absences as more Covid-19 measures are eased over the coming months.

Rapid testing will also help reduce risk of catching and spreading Covid-19 in the workplace, with those workers that test positive able to remain at home.

Companies are required to register for the lateral flow tests by April 12th, with these to remain free to access until June 30th, just over one week after all Covid-19 restrictions are set to be dropped.

Yesterday (March 29th), the government’s ‘stay at home’ message was dropped as people were again allowed to meet with people outdoors, in groups of up to six people.

Non-essential retail is due to open on April 12th, while indoor dining and other facilities will be permitted to reopen from May 17th.

The government has also set a target of June 21st to withdraw the majority of Covid-19 restrictions.

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