Almost 1,000 coronavirus tests handed out in Newquay as cases remain high
Covid marshals went door-to-door over the weekend, to help businesses fight back
Last updated 10th Aug 2021
Almost 1,000 lateral flow tests were handed out to businesses in Newquay over the weekend, to help them fight back against Covid-19.
Street marshals from Cornwall Council's Covid Response Team went door-to-door between Friday and Sunday to give safety advice, hand out testing kits and let businesses know how to access them in future.
In total they distributed 131 packs of 7 tests – a total of 917 tests - to 85 businesses.
Officials plan to carry out further walkabouts this week, alongside officials from Newquay Town Council.
140 new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Newquay in the week to 4th August, including 90 in Newquay East.
According to Public Health England's interactive map, that area of the town has a case rate of 903.1 per 100,000 people.
The council's Public Health Team has donated 540 test packs to the town council to provide extra support during the busy summer period and to bolster existing supplies at local pharmacies.
Virus cases remain high in the popular tourist resort, largely due to the high number of hospitality venues such as bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants where people are now allowed to mix.
Ruth Goldstein, Deputy Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Spikes in cases can often leave shops, pubs, restaurants and bars having to close because they have too many staff members self-isolating.
"But ensuring that all employees test twice a week with Lateral Flow Tests means positive cases can self-isolate quickly and prevent the virus from spreading throughout a workplace".
She added: "We’d also urge businesses to ensure their premises are well-ventilated as this helps to stop Covid-19 from spreading.
"On top of this we’d also ask everyone to get the vaccine when it is offered to them and follow basic guidance such as regularly washing or sanitizing hands, wearing a mask indoors, in crowds or on public transport, and keeping your distance from others where possible".
Councillor Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: "Only by acting sensibly and respectfully can we keep the virus at bay and businesses can play an important role by ensuring their staff test regularly.
"It’s great that our towns and high streets are opening up again – let’s make sure Covid doesn’t ruin the party".
Businesses can access support and up-to-date guidance and resources to help them comply with the latest Covid restrictions on the Business Regulatory Support website.
Tests are available from pharmacies and you can order them for free online too.
Information on the latest pop-up and walk-in vaccination clinics is available on the NHS Kernow website.
Information about Covid-19 in Cornwall, including testing, vaccinations, self-isolation and how to access support is available on the Cornwall Council website.