Northern Lincolnshire's Public Health boss says covid testing is key
Steve Pintus is urging people to take two tests a week
Northern Lincolnshire's Director of Public Health says regular home testing and reporting of results are keystones in the fight to beat Covid-19.
Steve Pintus says using free, at home lateral flow tests will help build up a clear picture of local coronavirus rates across the county:
“Testing is a key weapon in our armoury. Everyone can now get tested twice a week with the tests available.
“After taking the test people need to report their results whether positive or negative on the gov.uk website here.
“This vital information helps the NHS monitor the spread of the virus and give support to communities that need it most.”
You can order lateral flow tests online or pick them up at pharmacies and medical centres across the region. To find a pick-up place near you, go to the NHS test and trace map.
Mr Pintus says by reporting your test result, even if it is negative, you can help local health officials understand community rates of infection better and enable them to identify outbreaks early.
Steve Pintus went on to say while the infection rate in North Lincolnshire is still above the national average, the data around the virus is showing positive signs – although "caution" is still needed:
“The latest figures show the link between cases, hospitalisation and deaths appears to now be broken.
“There are currently just six local people in hospital with the virus in the area and there have been no deaths since the beginning of April.
“Almost 100,000 people aged over 16 have now had at least one jab in North Lincolnshire.
“This does not mean people should relax. Everyone needs to keep following the rules so restrictions can hopefully be relaxed on 17 May and we can return to a more normal life in the summer.
“As well as regular testing and reporting, people need to continue to social distance, meet in groups of six or less outdoors, practice good hand hygiene and self-isolate if they have symptoms or have been told to by NHS Test and Trace.”