BUSINESSES are being urged to sign up to Bolton's symptom-free testing programme ­— otherwise known as mass testing.

The borough is currently running a targeted Covid-19 testing programme by identifying those who have the virus but may not realise it.

Asymptomatic rapid testing is available to critical workers across the borough and is quick and simple to administer.

The scheme is supporting vital health, social and community services to keep running safely.

Many people infected with Covid-19 suffer no symptoms but still risk passing it on to their colleagues, family, friends and others.

As well as the obvious health risks, if the virus is allowed to spread quickly through a workplace it can seriously disrupt the vital services we all depend on.

The programme is targeted at those most at risk of catching the virus, those who can’t work from home and are on the front line delivering essential services.

With support from the Ministry of Defence, tests are being delivered at key sites in the borough with results available in as little as 30 minutes.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We are urging businesses to contact us to register an interest in the programme and enable their staff to take part.

"To do this please email boltontesting@bolton.gov.uk

"Upon registering your interest, we will share the details of how and when you can book appointments.

"This quick and simple test will be crucial to ensure business continuity for vital services in Bolton and will help to protect you, colleagues and the wider community.

"Organisations can view FAQs at www.bolton.gov.uk/testingmanagers. If you are a member of staff you can find FAQs at www.bolton.gov.uk/testingstaff ".

Many people in Bolton are in jobs that cannot be done from home, increasing the risk of coronavirus spread ­— and Bolton Council is working with employers to pub in measures to stop the spread and help bosses make workplaces covid-secure.