Dorset Council urges unpaid carers to take up free weekly tests
It's available at community testing sites across Dorset
Unpaid carers now have access to weekly lateral flow device (LFD) testing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect loved ones.
One in three people who have Covid-19 show no symptoms and can therefore spread the virus without knowing.
The aim of asymptomatic testing is to identify cases quickly and to slow transmission rates
Who is classed as an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is anyone who cares for a friend or family member who, due to a lifelong condition, illness, disability, serious injury, a mental health condition or an addiction, would not cope without their support.
Unpaid care can include a range of activities including personal care such as washing, dressing or help with eating and drinking, as well as support with laundry, cooking, shopping and cleaning.
This is the next part of Dorset Rapid Community Testing Programme.
Essential businesses and organisations and frontline council staff already have access to weekly lateral flow testing if they are unable to work at home due to the nature of their job.
It is important that unpaid carers can commit to attending a test site up to twice a week for six weeks.
Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council's Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said:
"I really encourage all unpaid carers to take the opportunity to have weekly asymptomatic testing.
"Unlike with businesses and organisations who are already getting tested, unpaid carers don't need to register, they can just book an LFD test at one of our community testing sites on Public Health Dorset's website."
The booking system is only for businesses and organisations that are part of the Dorset Rapid Community Testing Programme and unpaid carers.
If anyone having tests under the programme does develop COVID-19 symptoms, they must not turn up to their LFD test.
Unpaid carers can book their tests at one of the community testing sites on Public Health Dorset's website here.
They must self-isolate and book a COVID-19 testing through the national portal www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-testor call 119.