Asymptomatic testing to pause in England - 31 August
Due to COVID-19 case numbers falling, UKHSA have advised that routine, asymptomatic testing of health and social care staff can be paused in England. This will mean that, while cases remain low, social care staff won't need to routinely test twice a week.
You can read the announcement here:
Regular asymptomatic testing paused in additional settings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Director of Adult Social Care Delivery and COVID-19 response has published a letter explaining the rationale for the changes:
Pausing asymptomatic testing in adult social care letter
The guidance (applicable from 31 August) is available below, alongside an 'asymptomatic testing pause factsheet' from UKHSA. The IPC guidance has also been updated to align with changes:
