Visitors to Chelmsford Specsavers advised to take Covid test after confirmed case of Omicron
Targeted testing is underway after one case of the variant has been found
Anyone who went to Specsavers on Chelmsford High Street in Essex between Sunday 21 November - Monday 6 December should take a Covid test.
The targeted testing is in place after one case of the Omicron variant was confirmed, with all staff, customers and delivery drivers that visited the store advised to immediately get tested.
With general Covid infections on the rise, the quickest way for Chelmsford residents to get a PCR test is via one of two local testing sites.
Locations for the two dedicated PCR testing sites in the area can be found here:
- Sandon Park and Ride, Maldon Road, CM2 7RU (drive through facility)
- Anglia Ruskin University, Sawyers Car Park, Hoffmanns Way, CM1 1SQ (walk through facility, please do NOT enter the university buildings)
PCR tests are normally recommended for people who have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, or people who are displaying symptoms of Covid which include:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
You should also self-isolate and only leave home in order to take the test.
If in need of one, residents should pre-book their test via the Government website, and there is currently good availability at both testing facilities, which are open 7 days a week, 8am-6pm.
Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, it is essential that you isolate immediately and take a PCR test.
“A visit to a local testing site is the quickest way to get a PCR test and avoids any unnecessary wait due to postal delays.
"Most people will get their result back within a day or two. Along with vaccination, testing is one of the best tools that we have available to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"We also highly recommend that people without symptoms test twice a week with a Lateral Flow Test.”