Phase 1 lasted until the end of the summer, to allow for those returning back to work in the construction industry, as well as covering schools and holidaymakers arriving home.
Test vouchers were issued for particular sectors, yielding very few positive cases. Out of 5,000 tests in the construction sector, just 7 positive cases were identified. 1,200 people were tested in the cleaning sector, with a positive rate of just 0.13%. In schools, 50 % of students aged 20 and under were tested, with a low rate of 0.06%. Two-thirds of teachers underwent testing with a positive rate of 0.08%. 42% of healthcare workers were tested, with a positive rate of 0.08%. 53,000 people requested testing upon return from their holidays.
Phase 2 of the testing scheme will focus on 5 key areas, or "pillars". Individuals with a high risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working in the healthcare sector, emergency services and so on, will continue to be tested. Travellers entering the country will also continue to receive test vouchers.
Another aspect of the scheme will maintain the sampling tests across the population, while a fourth will focus on reactive tests in instances where patterns are identified. For example, if a pattern emerged at a workplace or a school, the mobile testing team would be able to quickly arrange testing for a large number of individuals. This type of action would be preventative in its nature.
Finally, the scheme will include serological testing, checking blood samples to ascertain whether a person had been exposed to the virus, and continuing research into antibodies.
The population will continue to receive invitations, which will be valid for two weeks from receipt to prevent people from hoarding the vouchers, said the Minister. Invitees are encouraged to book their tests as soon as possible upon receipt of the voucher.
The number of test stations has been slightly reduced compared to phase 1, partially due to financial reasons, but also logistics.
Opening times are as follows:
Monday - Thursday: 7am-7pm
Friday: 7am-9pm
Saturday: 8am-3pm
Sunday: closed
The Findel testing station is open all week from 9.30am until midnight.
Lenert urged people feeling ill or displaying symptoms not to wait for their voucher, but instead to contact their GP and request a test following a consultation.
