RAF Force Protection Reservists have helped with the setup of the Lateral Flow Testing centres in Salford. Lateral flow testing provides a result within an hour, meaning a higher volume of people can be tested to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
RAF Police Corporal Ben Massey and RAF Regiment Senior Aircraftman Chris Lumsdale and Leading Aircraftman Jacq Whitehead from 609 Squadron RAuxAF based at RAF Leeming have been providing support to Salford City Council’s Lateral flow testing centres since the start of February. All three have carried out lateral flow testing for frontline workers and keyworkers.
Ben said :
Having worked and tested on many sites, it was really enjoyable to not only work with new people within the regulars and reserves across the RAF and Army, but also interact with the general public to understand how this pandemic is affecting them and how they all appreciated the help that the armed forces is bringing to overcome this virus
Jacq said:
Some people found taking the test more difficult than others so being able to adapt and reassure them was a priority. The biggest outcome for me was my self-confidence grew and I feel even more proud of myself and the job I do.
He added:
It brought a new perspective as to how the coronavirus was affecting different people's lives, that it was having a bigger impact than what some may think. For a few, just getting out the house for a test was something to look forward to
The RAF Reservists concluded the testing in Salford at the end of February 2021, handing over to the civilian teams.
