A PILOT run of lateral flow testing is launching at Redditch Town Hall on December 28, in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.
It aims to protect residents of the town and also those in neighbouring Bromsgrove, which is suffering some of the highest Covid-19 rates in the county.
The testing site is for residents who do not have Covid-19 symptoms; anyone who has symptoms is asked to book a test the usual way through the government’s website.
Test results will determine whether they are carrying the virus without knowing.
If positive, they will then be able to self-isolate to protect their families and communities.
Lateral flow devices, similar to those used to test a large number of university students in Worcestershire, allow rapid test results without being reliant on laboratory capacity.
People will know within 30 minutes if they have the virus or not.
Those who test positive will be asked to book a further test at one of the county’s sites.
Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Matt Dormer, said: “I am pleased this service is being run from our building as Redditch has, at times, seen high numbers of Covid cases.
“I want to encourage people to take advantage of this service so we can keep our Borough, and beyond, safe and contain this virus.”
Dr. Kathryn Cobain, director for Public Health in Worcestershire, added: “This testing pilot will ensure resident are able to be tested quickly and then understand their risk of spreading the virus.
“I’d urge everyone in Redditch and Bromsgrove to take up this offer.”
The pilot will run until January 2 and can be booked by visiting: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/RedditchTesting
