Rapid Covid testing on offer
Frontline and key workers are being offered rapid Covid tests as part of a new strategy to cut down infection rates.
Shropshire Council says it has slots available for the tests at two sites, which must be booked in advance, at Shrewsbury and Craven Arms.
The council said that the tests are aimed at people who cannot work from home, who do not have symptoms.
The authority is urging them to get tested up to two times a week, or once every four days.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health said: “Unfortunately, like many areas across the country, Shropshire has seen a rapid rise in the number of positive cases.
“Community testing has a big role to play in driving infection rates down but it only works as part of a whole suite of measures including effective contact tracing, following the guidance around socialising and self-isolation and the roll-out of the vaccine.
“Getting tested doesn’t mean people can stop social distancing, wearing masks or washing their hands, but it does help to make the activities they are undertaking safer.
“People who come to be tested will be given one of the rapid lateral flow tests which give results in about 30 minutes. If they test positive, they will then be given a further test to confirm the result.
“By getting tested, even if you don’t have symptoms, you are doing the right thing and ultimately helping people to stay well, businesses to stay open, children to stay in school and hospitals to have the capacity to treat other illness.”
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said: “Whilst the number of positive cases in Shropshire remain low compared to other parts of the West Midlands, we are still seeing an increase.
“I know and appreciate the efforts everyone is making to be responsible and to try and prevent the spread of the virus. But it is now more important than ever for us all to follow the national guidance to keep the rates down, and our loved ones safe.
“These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested and be sure that at that particular moment they are Covid-19 free. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.”
Slots are available for frontline workers at Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 9.15am and 4pm.
There are also slots at the Craven Arms Community Centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, from 9.15 am to 4pm.
Tests can be booked at www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/
