Calderdale's Covid vaccination and rapid testing plans at advanced stage

The borough is one of the areas where rapid testing is set to be introduced and Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) said a programme is set to be rolled out when the council receives kits.

“Testing is one of the most important things we can do to help get COVID-19 under control.

“We have had an effective testing approach in place for a while in Calderdale and the new rapid testing will add to this.

“We are currently planning the rollout of testing using the new rapid flow tests.

“Learning lessons from other areas, we want to start with people whose jobs or circumstances put them at higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19, and who wouldn’t be eligible for a test under the current system – we are currently working with people from identified organisations and groups to decide how this new testing can be best implemented.

“We hope to be able to start the rapid testing process in December, although we are currently awaiting the delivery of the testing kits,” he said.

Coun Swift said it was also important that people who get a positive test result can inform the council who they may have passed the virus on to and that they are supported to isolate at home, without visitors, for the full 10-day period.

Calderdale NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CGG) will play a key role in rolling out vaccination when these are approved by the necessary regulators and start to come on stream.

The Government has asked the NHS to be ready to deliver a Covid-19 vaccination as soon as one becomes available and at a national, regional and local level, the NHS, local authorities, voluntary and community sector partners and government organisations are working together to achieve this.

It will build on the expertise and strong track record the NHS already has in delivering immunisations like the annual flu vaccination programme.

The CCG, as in other areas, is continuing to refine its plans so that it will be ready to mobilise and offer vaccinations as soon as a vaccine is approved.