GMB, the union for health and social care workers, has called on the Government to guarantee everyone working with the NHS showing symptoms of COVID-19 are tested a priority.
Workers must also then be supported to self-isolate.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said:
"Those working in health and social care are at the front line of the battle against coronavirus and protecting the most vulnerable. They need to know their government is caring for them.
“It is essential that people working for our NHS and in social care who show symptoms of COVID-19 are able to be screened as a priority and then supported in self-isolation. Incredibly, in lots of cases, this is not happening.
“This guarantee is vital, not just for the sake of health and care workers who are much more exposed to risks, but for the sake of other ill and vulnerable patients they are in direct contact with.
“Coronavirus is going to test our overstretched NHS and social care services to the limit and we need to recognise the workforce is our biggest asset. They are going to be need to be supported throughout."
