Rapid testing to include more essential workers in NI
Testing for staff without any symptoms is being ramped up.
Mass asymptomatic covid testing is to be rolled out in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Health is opening the programme to "key" private and public sector employers.
Those working in Agri-food, Manufacturing, Essential Retail, and Construction are being prioritised.
It comes as up to a third of those with the disease have no symptoms.
Matt Wills, head of mass testing in Northern Ireland, said: “New technology makes it possible to test at far greater frequency and pace.
“It is critical to ensuring the safe return to as normal a society as possible.''
The tests will screen workplaces providing critical services or those where employees cannot work from home."
Mr Wills said they were trying to have the greatest impact in the shortest period of time.
“We are trying to grasp the low-hanging fruit,'’ he said.
Individuals with positive LFTs will have to isolate immediately along with their households.
The Department of Health and Social Care said that the new analysis shows that lateral flow device tests (LFDs) to have a specificity of at least 99.9% when used to test in the community.
Lateral flow tests are quick turnaround tests, which can be performed without the need for laboratory assessment.