New rapid Covid testing centre has opened in Brackley

A new rapid Covid testing centre has opened in Brackley.

The community Lateral Flow Device Testing Centre is based at Brackley Leisure Centre and is designed for workers who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.

The aim is to identify the one in three people who may be infectious without being aware, in order to reduce spread of the virus.

The new site will be open Tuesday to Saturday 9-12midday and 2-6pm.

Each test involves a swab of the mouth and nose and provides a result within 30 minutes.

Testing slots must be booked online in advance using this web link https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/Pages/covid-19-community-based-testing.aspxPriority is given to workers in the following sectors:

· Health or social care

· Transportation

· Education or childcare (if not receiving regular rapid tests via the workplace)

· Essential shop, supermarkets or financial services

· Food production or processing

· Warehousing, packing or distribution

· Essential public sector services including waste, bin collections, security etc

· Construction, utilities or communications

· Agency workers

A NHS spokesperson said: "It is advisable for people working in these sectors to take up the opportunity to get tested on a weekly basis to help to reduce the spread of the virus.

"It is important to highlight that a negative test result is not an absolute guarantee that you do not have COVID-19 and therefore you must still carry out thorough and regular hand washing, maintain two metre social distancing from those you do not live with and wear face coverings where required to do so.

Dr Rhosyn Harris, consultant in public health at Northamptonshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be launching our fourth Community Lateral Flow Device testing site at Brackley Leisure Centre. The staff at the centre have worked incredibly hard to ensure that they provide a valuable resource to the local community.

“We know from our existing sites that regular testing of those without symptoms helps us identify a number of positive cases and cut the transmission by isolating those individuals it also provides workforces some reassurance that workers are less likely to transmit the virus without knowing”.

For more information on Lateral Flow device testing and guidance on how to book a testing slot, please visit https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/Pages/covid-19-community-based-testing.aspxIf you do have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not use these sites, please call 119 or visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test