Pilot Covid-19 testing scheme at Black Country brewery hailed a success
A pilot coronavirus testing programme which tested almost 100 employees at a Black Country brewery has come back with zero positive cases.
Staff at Marston's brewery, based in Wolverhampton, have been thanked for taking part in the initiative.
Wolverhampton council carried out the initiative last week to develop a blueprint for other organisations to do the same.
Public health officials set up a temporary test centre outside the brewery which helped workers use self-swabbing test kits.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's director of public health, said: "The steady increase in cases in recent weeks shows us that coronavirus remains prevalent in Wolverhampton and the wider region, and increasing testing is key to us being able to tackle the spread of the virus.
"This was an important learning experience and we really appreciate the involvement of staff at Marston’s.
"The suggestion to do this was really well received and the results provide good reassurance for Marston’s and compliment the excellent infection prevention measures the business has already introduced."
Nicky Barnes, Marston’s supply chain health and safety manager, added: "Marston’s and its volunteers at the Wolverhampton site were pleased to be able to support the pilot scheme and take the opportunity to be tested in the workplace.
"We are obviously very pleased with the negative results and hope that this goes someway to demonstrating that we have effective controls in place to minimise the spread of the virus on site."
For the latest information on coronavirus in the city, visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus.
