MoH launches testing of 20,000 workers in the public, private sectors

The Ministry of Health announced on Friday the launch of sample-taking from 20,000 workers in the public and private sectors, and calls on those who fall within the categories announced to reach out to one of the approved labs to arrange an appointment should they wish to take the test.

The tests will be conducted in a time frame of 20 days across the island in collaboration with private labs (a list can be found below).

Eligible for the tests are citizens residing in the Republic who are still working and therefore have increased chances of being exposed to the virus. Indicatively, the scheme concerns:

-workers in the public and wider public sectors and local administration, prioritising authorities that provide services to the public

-members of the National Guard

-members of the Police

-members of the Fire Service, and

-workers in the private sector with priority to businesses providing services to the public (ex. banks, post offices, gas stations) and food and drink retail businesses (ex. supermarkets, kiosks, bakeries etc)

The Health Ministry advises that on the day of their appointment, beneficiaries should present proof verifying their job position, like a signed confirmation from the employer.

The allocation of the 20,000 per district was based on the epidemiological data and demographic data of the Statistical Service to ensure an even distribution of tests.

Based on the labs’ agreement with the Health Ministry, participating labs will communicate the results to the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit within 48 hours from the time of sample-taking, prioritising positive results so that tracing of contacts can begin imminently.