Hero binmen who gave life-saving first aid to a man found collapsed in the street in Fartown say all critical workers can save a life – by getting regularly tested for Covid-19.
Refuse workers Mick McDermott, Chris Armand and Andy Borowy have been praised for saving the life of Christopher Lennon, 56.
The trio leapt into action and gave CPR after finding Chris slumped in Dewhurst Road. Chris has made a full recovery after 10 days in hospital.
After receiving letters of thanks from Kirklees Council leader Clr Shabir Pandor, the team are urging other critical workers to become life-savers by taking regular lateral flow tests.
Lateral flow testing is one of the measures used to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in communities.
Currently aimed specifically at people who can’t work from home and are coming into an office or other enclosed spaces, these tests are important in helping to identify cases in the community where symptoms are not present.
In a statement Mick, Chris and Andy said: “Saving lives isn’t always as obvious as giving first aid, lateral flow testing too can save lives.
“If you have Covid-19 but don’t know it, you could be passing it on without even realising it, potentially to vulnerable members of your family and work team.
“The test is really simple and we got our results within half an hour. It gives us peace of mind that we are keeping our workmates and families safe.”
Andy Borowy takes a swab test
Clr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “About one in three people with Coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still pass it on to others.
“Regular testing of people without symptoms is important to help stop the virus spreading, so as lockdown restrictions gradually ease, we all need to play our part to help protect each other.
“If you’re working out on-site, have regular contact with members of the public or work in close proximity to others where social distancing is difficult, we recommend you are tested at least twice a week.
“And remember there is financial and practical support available for people who have to isolate.”
Community Testing Sites:
Open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, critical workers can take a lateral flow test at one of Kirklees Council’s community testing sites at:
Hudawi Centre, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6BG
Greenwood Centre, Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3JR
Dewsbury Customer Service Centre, Walsh Building, Town Hall Way, Dewsbury, WF12 8EE
Batley Library, 14 Market Place, Batley, WF17 5DA
