Rapid Testing for people without symptoms in Worcestershire starts this week

From today you can get a free rapid Covid-19 test from some pharmacies across Worcestershire.

This testing is for adults and children who are 12 years and over, who live or work in Worcestershire and who do not have any symptoms of Covid-19.  Tests can be booked online using the booking website  www.1centralhealth.co.uk/worcslft

Rapid turnaround tests are supplied by NHS Test and Trace and will help identify people who are positive for Covid-19 but have no symptoms. Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms. Broadening testing to include those with no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and help to break the chains of transmission.

The tests are taken using nose and throat swabs and the results are much faster than the standard test which goes to a lab. There are no costs but anyone getting a test will need to follow social distancing and wear a face covering.

If you have symptoms, you should not book a rapid test. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste, should continue to book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus  or by calling 119.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health in Worcestershire said: “This is another important way for us to support our residents to stay healthy and well.

We know that people are concerned about unwittingly spreading the virus. These tests offer a way for people to have that peace of mind, and if they do test positive, act quickly to self-isolate and reduce the risk to others.

“Around one in three people have the virus without symptoms so could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Wider testing to identify positive cases from those showing no symptoms will mean quicker detection, and ultimately less spread of virus.”

Cllr John Smith, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing added: “We will get through this if we all continue to follow the stay at home message and remember to act as though we or anyone we come into contact with has the virus.

“These tests are quick and simple to do with quick results. They offer some reassurance if you do have to leave home for essential work.  It will also help us break the chain of transmission by identifying those people who are positive for the virus but don’t have any symptoms.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “We’ve already come so far since first setting up a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to help counter COVID-19, but we continue to strive to go further, faster.

“I’m delighted that Worcestershire County Council are working with us to roll out community testing in Worcestershire, and I look forward to seeing the results.”

Rapid tests only measure if someone is infectious at that point in time. If a person has a negative test and goes on to develop any symptoms, they must self-isolate immediately and arrange a standard test at one of the borough’s four testing sites.

Anyone who has a positive test must self-isolate immediately and follow the advice given by the local contact tracing team or the national test and trace service. It is vital that people identify contacts to help stop the spread of the virus.

• Worcestershire’s participating pharmacies:

• As part of the expansion of community testing, local authorities will be supported to carry out community testing programmes until the end of March.
• See latest testing statistics here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public/