Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the roll-out of lateral flow tests in key workplaces, but cautioned that clear communication will be essential to the success of the expansion of the asymptomatic testing programme.

The South Belfast MLA stated: “The expansion of the asymptomatic testing programme in line with the rest of the UK is essential to keeping people in key workplaces operating in a low-risk environment and ultimately to emerging from lockdown.

“There are some complexities, such as around how lateral flow tests must be followed by a PCR test if they are positive. Clear communication will be essential.

“I would also advocate urgent establishment of whether this programme can also enable the resumption of other essential services, such as driving tests for key workers.”