RAPID coronavirus testing is to be rolled out in Leamington, with sites planned for Rugby and Stratford early next year.
The new test centre will be based at the Adult and Community Learning site on Pound Lane in Lillington.
It is for those without symptoms of coronavirus and will use fast-turnaround kits supplied by NHS Test and Trace in a bid to identify undiagnosed cases and stop people ‘unwittingly spreading the virus’. Results are delivered in an hour.
People can book tests from tomorrow (Tuesday) and the site will be open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm at weekends. It can be used weekly.
The centre – which has has been developed by the Department of Health and Social Care, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and a network including volunteers – uses a new kind of test which can be used to test a higher proportion of people without symptoms. Those who test positive can then isolate and prevent the virus spreading.
Only those without symptoms of a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a change to their sense of taste or smell should book a test.
Those with symptoms must self isolate and book a test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Warwickshire County Council director of public health Dr Shade Agboola said: “This is the fourth site to open in Warwickshire to the local community and we have plans to roll out additional test centres in Rugby and Stratford early in the new year. To date over 1,600 tests have been carried out at our test sites and we have received some great feedback.
“The new testing facility for the Warwick district will play a key role in tackling covid 19. By testing people who don’t have symptoms, we are hoping to identify those who are not aware that they have the virus and may be unwittingly spreading it to other people – including friends, loved ones and colleagues. By breaking the chain of transmission and picking up those who are asymptomatic, we hope that we will reduce the spread of the virus and protect those who are most at risk.
“The tests are really simple to do using a swab from your nose and mouth, and you will be supported throughout the process by the test centre staff. Results are quick and should you test positive, help and advice is available.
“Only by working together can we make a difference, so please play your part, support your community and go along to your nearest testing facility and get a free test.”
Warwick District Council leader Andrew Day said: “We can stop the virus in its tracks by getting tested, even if we don’t have any coronavirus symptoms. Join me to protect our families and loved ones, by booking a quick and easy test at this new local facility. Together we’ll have the peace of mind that we’re not going to unwittingly pass on covid 19 this Christmas and will keep our most vulnerable safe through the winter months ahead.”
Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leamington-covid-community-testing-32065805335 to book a test.
