Update Augusr 2022
The Government has updated its guidance on Covid-19testing for the social care workforce, including PAs. View Guidance
Routine asymptomatic testing has been paused paused from 31 August 2022 in some high risk settings. View Briefing Note
Update April 2022
Personal assistants, Shared Lives carers and social workers should order tests via the online government portal.
You do not need a unique organisation number (UON).
Please do not access tests through this route if you are already part of a regular testing regime at work. Unpaid carers cannot access a tests trhough this route.
You can choose which address your tests kits are delivered to. Once you have placed an order, you’ll receive a confirmatory email.
If you have any issues with ordering test kits, please call the national COVID-19 contact centre on 119.
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Guidance on Weekly Covid-19 Testing for Personal Assistants
The government has published updated guidance on how personal assistants working in adult social care in England can access twice weekly Covid-19 testing.
Personal assistants will be eligible for testing if they provide care that requires them to come within 2 metres of an adult over the age of 18 who they support.
Rapid lateral flow tests (LFT) are available for home delivery, for collection at participating pharmacies and local sites, or individuals can be tested at local asymptomatic test sites. PAs should access these tests through any of these routes and test twice weekly (every 3-4 days), as close as possible to starting work.
Full details of participating pharmacies and asymptomatic test sites are on Sheffield City Council’s Website.
Summary of Ordering and Testing Online
Guidance on how to order the Coronavirus Rapid Lateral Flow Tests is available here.
Watch a Video on How to Do a Covid Self Test
If you cannot order online or if have any queries please call the national Coronavirus contact centre on 119.Lines are open 7am to 11pm and calls are free.
More information on eligibility and the process of ordering and registering your tests is available here
Webinars
You can register for a webinar to talk you through the process for personal assistant testing. The webinar includes a live Q&A with the personal assistant team, who will be happy to answer your questions
Book your place or view a previous recorded webinar
How to Get a Coronavirus Test if you have Symptoms
You can get tested at a testing site if you have symptoms of Coronavirus or order a home test kit. Book online or call 119. When you book your Coronavirus test, you’ll get a date and time to attend a specific test centre. Please check the details carefully as if you arrive at the wrong test centre, date or time, you will be turned away. Full details are on Sheffield City Council’s Website