Rapid Covid-19 testing for people without symptoms to be rolled out in Leamington from Tuesday

Tests will be available for those without symptoms of Covid-19 at the Adult and Community Learning site at Pound Lane in Lillington, Leamington from Tuesday December (22)

The centre is being run in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and a network including volunteers with the aim towards returning life to as normal as possible.

The tests are available for booking between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and can be used weekly.

The service uses the fast turnaround lateral flow test kits, which can deliver results in around an hour.

Tests can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leamington-covid-community-testing-32065805335 Lateral flow antigen tests use new technology which can be used to test a higher proportion of people without symptoms.

Only people without Covid-19 symptoms should book a test at the centre.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a change to their sense of taste or smell – must self-isolate and book a test via https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 as usual.

Talking about the test facility for the Warwick district, director of public health at Warwickshire County Council, 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 work 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 at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/information-coronavirus/coronavirus-services-support/1.

"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.”