Booking a virus test has never been easier – Health Minister Lord Bethell

WE test for coronavirus so people get the treatment they need, and don’t infect anyone else.

That’s why, last month, we dramatically extended testing 
in England to all essential workers and members of their household if they have symptoms.

We further extended testing to all asymptomatic NHS and social care staff and care home residents, and to anyone who is symptomatic and over 65 or going out to work, as well as symptomatic members of their households.

If you, or a member of your household, are in one of these groups and are experiencing symptoms it is crucial you are tested as soon as possible. You can do so by booking an appointment at your local dedicated test site.

A network of 48 centres, open seven days a week, has been set up across the country, including one at Poppleton Bar P&R in York.

Nearly 125,000 people have already taken up our offer to get tested, either by using our new online booking portal or have booked a home test.

Booking is easy. Once you’ve entered your details on the portal, you’ll get a text or email inviting you to book an appointment.

Tests on site are conducted in a drive-through style, with swabs taken through the car window. At some sites you will have the option to administer the test yourself. Every care is taken to ensure the highest levels of safety and hygiene.

After you’ve had your test, results will be sent out by text within a few days and a helpline will be available to deal with queries. People who can’t go online can still apply through their employer.

If you’re unable to get to a testing site, you can order a home testing kit through gov.uk. We will be increasing availability over the coming weeks, so if you have not been successful in obtaining one, please keep trying.

I have been chuffed with the response from businesses who have worked with us to help make this vision a reality and am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this national effort.

Guidance on coronavirus testing for essential workers, and members of their households, who are self-isolating, is available form the gov.uk website.

From: George Bethell, Doncaster.

YOU have printed letters from Alan Chapman and Linda Lawson regarding the supply of PPE to care homes. I would like to point out that many homes in our great county charge a weekly fee of £500, not £900 to £1,500, and have always paid for PPE from this fee, which under normal conditions would consist of disposable gloves and aprons.

We now have to add masks, visors and gowns to the list of PPE needed to protect both residents and staff, which adds substantially to the costs incurred. All these items are very difficult to obtain and when available have escalated in price, for example aprons which were £0.99 a roll are now being advertised at £30 a roll.

Considering these facts, I don’t think it is unreasonable for the Government to supply some PPE to help keep our carers and residents as safe as is possible. The bulk of the PPE needed will always be paid for by the care home.

Importance of teamwork

From: Andrew J Coombe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.

THE unexpected arrival of Covid-19 has brought the world as we knew it to a juddering halt. It has given us all cause to stop and reflect. The impact that this invisible and indiscriminate enemy has had already, and will have in the future, both on society and our private lives, is unquantifiable.

Yet, in this challenging situation, the actions of individuals, whether acting independently or collectively, have resulted in some truly inspiring and jaw-dropping examples of personal sacrifice and commitment. The crisis has really emphasised the importance of teamwork.

Much has been said, rightly, in praise of the NHS, SY Police, SY Fire and Rescue, the military, local authority employees and those looking after the elderly and vulnerable in the community, including care homes and hospices. I also want to thank the army of unpaid carers and all those people who have stoically continued to carry out with the utmost dedication all those essential tasks, which keep our community going; shops and supermarket staff, truck and van drivers, those who work in utilities, Royal Mail staff, bus and train drivers, refuse collectors, religious leaders, undertakers, teachers and so many more, including our farmers, many of whom are still reeling from the impact of the recent floods.

To you all, I say a big thank you and I salute you.

For the elderly and vulnerable this crisis is particularly hard, but we welcome the care being lavished upon us, from all sides. We are indeed fortunate; for many of us, we remain in a “bubble”, not oblivious, but incapable of helping in the fight and giving support to those who are in a more vulnerable situation.

For our young people, whether at school or university, this significant disruption is also really tough. I know that everyone is doing all they can to ensure that the impact upon your education and future career prospects is minimised as much as possible.

I also want to thank everyone living in South Yorkshire for the exemplary way in which you have abided by the instruction to stay at home.

Finally, if anyone is wondering how they might contribute to the organisations fighting the virus, any charity would welcome your support. Alternatively, you could visit the South Yorkshire Community Foundation website and find details of the Covid19 Fund which they are managing. This is an “umbrella fund’, set up specifically to help those supporting the vulnerable and less fortunate across the county.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor