Around 2,660 people across Leicestershire have undergone rapid community tests for Covid-19 so far – and the programme continues to gather pace.
Four centres offering tests for key workers are already up and running, with two more due to open early next week.
Testing is now available six days a week in Wigston, Blaby, Swannington and Loughborough, with a test centre due to open on Monday (February 8) at Westfield Community Centre in Hinckley - and one at the Polish Club in Melton Mowbray expected to open on Tuesday (February 9). Bookings for the Hinckley and Melton sites are already available via the council’s website.
One in three people who have coronavirus show no symptoms, and rapid lateral flow testing, led by the council’s public health team, can help to quickly identify individuals and stop the spread of infection. Of those tested so far, 44 people tested positive, despite having no symptoms.
Rapid testing is ONLY for those who are eligible, who don’t have symptoms and aren’t already isolating – if you do have symptoms, or you have been told to self isolate, then you should not attend. It is open to key workers and anyone else in the county who cannot currently work from home.
We are pleased that so many of our key workers are booking for rapid testing at the sites we have opened so far – the tests will help protect them and the wider community and help stop the spread of Covid-19.
We are continuing to assess new venues in other areas of the county and a test centre in the Harborough district will be next in line.
Person:Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County CouncilThe lateral flow tests are self-administered at an approved test site – and you can leave the site straight after you have taken your swab. Results will be sent out by text or email by the end of that day. Sites will be open six days each week.
Anyone who currently cannot work from home and is eligible, will be able to book a test at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/covidtest
Residents are reminded that if they have Covid symptoms they will need to isolate immediately and book an NHS test at nhs.uk or by calling 119.
Keep up to date with the locations of the new testing sites by following the council’s Twitter and Facebook pages - both @LeicsCountyHall - or visiting the council’s website for the latest news.