Buckinghamshire opens new rapid testing centres for anyone that needs to leave home to work or volunteer

In addition, new testing sites have now also been opened in Amersham and Buckingham.

Rapid tests are now available for anybody who needs to leave home to work or volunteer. It is a fast and free way for people without symptoms to find out if they have the virus.

Around one in three people who are infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly and help break chains of transmission.

Initial feedback from our users is that the process is ‘smooth and efficient’ with the majority of people in and out within 15 minutes.

Whilst cases of COVID-19 may be decreasing in Buckinghamshire they are still high, and we all have a responsibility to help stop the spread of infection. Regular testing of workers and volunteers out in the community can make a big difference.

Cllr Mark Winn – Member for Aylesbury East representing Bedgrove and Oakfield said: “I have been getting tested regularly as I am out and about in my community. No one likes to get tested but I’ve found it quick and easy to do. It’s vitally important to get tested regularly if you are in contact with other members of your community.

“We all need to play our part in defeating this virus and keeping our families and communities safe. If you have to go out to work or volunteer no matter what you do – delivery driver, care provider, taxi driver, shop worker, volunteer at a food bank or vaccination centre or anything else that means you are in regular contact with your community I urge you to get tested”

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said:

“We are delighted that we now have four rapid testing centres open in Buckinghamshire. This is such an important step in the fight against the virus. We all need to play our part in defeating COVID-19 so if you leave home to work or volunteer getting tested is a really positive step you can take to help protect your community.

"I urge you to get tested today – it’s quick, easy and free.”

If you do test positive there is a wide variety of support on offer including financial support, help with accessing food and medicines or support services if you are feeling lonely.

All efforts to find people without symptoms work hand in hand with the existing free testing service for those with symptoms.

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 book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

It is important to remember that even with a negative test result you will still need to take the same safety measures – hands, face, space as you may pick up the virus after leaving the test site.

Rapid testing is a vital tool in ending lockdown and keeping our family and communities safe. You can book a test or simply turn up at a time convenient to you. Testing only takes a few minutes so make it part of your weekly routine.

For more information on opening times or to book a test go to:

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/bookarapidtest/