Certain Jersey businesses can now register to be part of a community Covid-19 testing programme.

They will get free Lateral Flow Test kits and training in how to help their staff take them weekly.

Sectors eligible include restaurants and bars, shops and beauty.

· Hospitality

· Retail

· Agriculture and fisheries

· Wellbeing, cosmetic and beauty

· Public transport, freight, postal and delivery services

· Early Years

· Children's social care

· Veterinary practices and animal husbandry

Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat says regular testing remains an important tool, and we must maintain heightened levels of prevention and protection.

“The Vaccination Programme has been successful in protecting against severe illness and mortality, but it was never designed, and can never be, a stand-alone measure. The business sectors have been identified as being at higher risk of spread, because of their close working with the public; regular testing will give confidence to businesses that they are doing what they can to protect the community.”

The tests are delivered directly to workplaces.

“The provision of these tests means that businesses can feel confident that the risk of COVID-19 is minimised within their workplace. Through identifying isolated cases, we can prevent further transmission and outbreaks, and in the long run, save businesses from needing to temporarily close. This programme offers mutually beneficial reassurance for businesses and their staff on the one hand and customers and visitors on the other.” - Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf.