Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said she has sought clarification on testing for domiciliary care workers in Northern Ireland, after the UK Government said weekly testing will begin in England.

From today, care workers working for the Care Quality Commission and looking after people in their own homes will be offered weekly tests. Ms Bradshaw said local care workers should not be left behind.

“The clear implication of the welcome £5 million investment in domiciliary care is some of it will be used to ensure workers are regularly tested, as has been announced for England,” she said.

“I have therefore asked the Health Minister for his assurance Northern Ireland will not be left behind in this regard, and testing will be available to care workers entering people’s homes on exactly the same basis as in England.

“I have no doubt such clarification will offer welcome security to people who rely on domiciliary care.”