Gazette readers back calls for frontline NHS staff to be tested for coronavirus

The petition has gathered more than 25,000 signatures calling for health workers to be tested, so they can continue working instead of going into isolation if they have coronavirus symptoms.

The doctor behind the petition said staff wanted to work with “a clear conscience”.

So we asked in our daily Facebook poll: “Do you think frontline NHS workers should be tested as a priority?”

At the time of writing almost 800 people had voted, with 95% saying yes, and 5% no.

This is what you had to say on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Paul Connelly said: “Do you realise how many health workers and NHS staff there are, and how many daily tests this would mean? There is not an unlimited supply of test kits.”

Julie Docherty said: “Testing them would be pointless as they would have to routinely be tested every 14 days, as they could contract it at any time the same as anyone else.”

Paul Brenen said: “Supermarket checkout workers are high risk as well. All should be on danger money. To think how much they must be raking in and the poor cashiers are paid basic wage for what is potentially one of the most high risk and dangerous professions at the minute.”

Kevin Leary said: “The scale of this flu is unprecedented, it is inevitable that some confusion will reign. Use common sense and consider others.”