Almost 900 Covid tests carried out in Gloucester
Nine positive results have been recorded in the mass testing programme
Last updated 2nd Feb 2021
A mass coronavirus testing programme in Gloucester has found nine positive results out of 860 people tested.
The facility opened two weeks ago at the Friendship Cafe on Painswick Road, and uses lateral flow tests to identify people who have the virus with no symptoms.
It's intended for people who aren't able to stay at home due to work or caring responsibilities and more people are being invited book a test.
Sarah Scott, Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health, said:
“The single most important action we can all take to save lives and protect the NHS, is to follow the rules and stay at home.
“If you do have to go out for work or to care for others, naturally, you will be more at risk of catching Covid. LFDs can help detect the virus in people who have none of the main Covid symptoms, so that they can isolate more quickly and prevent the spread of infection.”
For the lateral flow tests to be most effective, they need to be conducted twice a week.
The Gloucester based centre is expected to run for another six weeks, but will be reviewed regularly.
The county council is working on setting up LFD testing facilities in other parts of the county in the weeks ahead.