RESIDENTS across Warwickshire are being urged to continue to test twice a week at home in the on-going fight against Covid.
Test kits can now be picked up from pharmacies and through the county council’s mobile testing service, via booking online at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.
Testing is also available through schools and businesses when required to reduce the risk of outbreaks in local communities.
With the increase in home testing for those without symptoms of Covid-19 and reducing numbers visiting community test sites, all LFT community test sites across the county will close today, with the exception of Nuneaton which will remain open until further notice.
This aims to free up valuable resources to continue efforts to control the virus.
All PCR test sites for those with symptoms of COVID-19 in the county will remain open. To book an appointment call 119 or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/covidtesting
Speaking about testing in Warwickshire, Dr Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health for Warwickshire said: “With access to testing much easier now, more residents are testing at home. It’s great to see that the community test sites have made a difference and in total 195,000 tests have been carried out across the county to date. This has helped to build confidence around testing to the point that residents are now testing at home.
“This is a real tribute to all those working at the test sites, and I would like to personally thank them all for the work they have done to support testing over the last year to help to keep Warwickshire communities safer.
“With cases continuing to rise across the county, I would urge residents to test twice weekly at home as they have been doing to monitor the spread of the virus. The rules of hands, face, space and fresh air are still key to reducing the spread, as is getting both vaccine doses as soon as they are offered. If you do have any symptoms of Covid-19, then please self-isolate immediately and get an NHS PCR test.”
County health spokeswoman Coun Margaret Bell added: “I would like to say thank you to all Warwickshire residents who have stepped up and played their part in the fight against COVID-19 and continue to do the right thing for Warwickshire.
“With tests now readily available to for people to pick up to test in the convenience of their own home, it makes sense to reshape the way in which we deliver testing across the county. Our mobile testing service will be out and about in the different parts of the county each week and residents can book tests online or pick them up from their local pharmacy. Testing regularly is key to identifying cases early to stop potential transmission as is getting vaccinated when you are offered an appointment.
“As a community, we all have a part to play, so please ensure that you continue to follow the national advice to help to keep Warwickshire communities safer.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ for more information on testing or support and advice for those self-isolating.
