Complete and updated list of workers in the “critical” sector who could avoid self-isolation Bedford News

The government has published a list of critical workers who will no longer need to self-isolate if they are “pinged” by the Covid app.

Instead, the program uses lateral flow testing to allow eligible workers who have been ‘pinged’ or called out by NHS Test and Trace to continue working, provided they are negative every day.

It comes after several sectors have warned of staff shortages caused by the ‘pingemia’.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Whether it’s prison guards showing up for work, garbage collectors keeping our streets clean or workers in our energy sector keeping the lights on. , essential workers have been there for us every step of the way of this global pandemic.

“As we learn to live with the virus, we will continue to do everything in our power to break the chains of transmission and stop this virus in its tracks.

“Daily contact testing will play a critical role in this regard, helping to minimize the potential for disruption from increased cases, while protecting staff. “

Already those working in the food industry, transport workers, border forces personnel, frontline police and fire departments are able to take daily Covid tests instead of quarantining, in the as part of a pilot program.

From now on, they will be joined by garbage collectors, prison staff and those working in defense, to name a few.