Changes to asymptomatic Covid-19 testing for social care staff

16 September 2022

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that from 31 August, routine asymptomatic testing has been paused for staff, visitors and visiting professionals in all adult social care settings. Testing of symptomatic cases for residents, patients and staff will continue in extra care, supported living and adult social care settings.

Whilst routine asymptomatic testing has ceased, DHSC guidance suggests that asymptomatic staff may be asked to take lateral flow tests as part of a rapid response to positive tests within care and high-risk supported settings. People being admitted into care homes and hospices will continue to be tested.

The guidance has also been updated for homelessness settings, domestic abuse refuges, respite rooms and asylum seeker accommodation. As with adult social care, from 31 August asymptomatic testing has ceased for staff, residents and service users. In limited settings, including night shelters, homelessness hostels, and asylum hostels, outbreak testing will continue.

These changes follow a fall in the prevalence and transmission of Covid as the government pursues its Living with Covid strategy.

Changes to asymptomatic Covid-19 testing for social care staff

Who to speak to

Kate Warburton, External Affairs Manager

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