The Covid-19 pandemic has seen both the Government’s and the public’s interpretation of what makes a key worker redefined. On Tuesday 28 April, in the daily coronavirus briefing, Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, not only recognised the vital role emergency plumbers are playing, but rolled out further testing for those in the construction and plumbing industry.
In his speech, Mr Hancock said, “So from now we’re making testing available to all over-65’s and their households with symptoms, and to all workers who would have to leave home in order to go to work and members of their households, again who have symptoms. From construction workers to emergency plumbers, from research scientists to those in manufacturing, the expansion of access to testing will protect the most vulnerable and help keep people safe.” 
This is good news for those who may be self-isolating due to personal or household coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result would see engineers able to return to work to respond to emergency call outs.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering said, “We have known for a long time the critical role plumbers play in society. Plumbing and heating engineers have been on the front line, protecting households from emergencies during the pandemic. It is really positive to see our government publicly recognise the impact of plumbers and the plumbing industry in these trying times.
“For our members and the sector at large, the ability to access testing is vital. Not only does it protect consumers and the vulnerable, but it also alleviates some of the financial pressures being faced by those who cannot work due to potential symptoms. As ever, we would urge any member of the public requiring emergency works to contact a CIPHE registered engineer via our website at www.ciphe.org.uk”
You can find out more on testing at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
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