Testing for personal assistants
A personal assistant (PA) is a person who is directly employed to provide care and support to an adult over the age of eighteen.
The type of care and support provided requires the PA to come within two metres of the person they are providing support to.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends PA’s test routinely using an LFD test.
PA’s should LFD test twice per week, ideally on the same days each week.
Ideally, home care workers should continue to test when they are not working in work due to leave or sickness.
LFD test kits can be ordered by the PA or person employing them, using the national portal.
One box contains seven LFD tests to be used over twenty-one days.
PA’s need to take a combined nasal and throat swab. Usually, the LFD test is completed at home.
Each box of LFD test kits contains instructions on how to complete a test.
There is a video in the COVID-19 testing for personal assistants guidance or PA’s can attend a DHSC webinar.
All results (positive, negative and void) should be reported using the online portal.
PA’s will be required to enter a number of personal details and their test result. PA’s can create an account, which will save a number details to help save time.
If a PA tests positive for Covid 19 using an LFD test, they should isolate immediately and take a confirmatory PCR as soon as possible.
COVID-19 testing guidance for PA’s contains the step by step process for ordering, completing and registering test kits.
PA’s and their employers can attend a DHSC webinar.
COVID-19 testing for adult social care settings details the different types of testing available for each setting and how to test.
PA’s should contact 119 in the first instance; alternatively they can contact the council for further support.