Rapid covid-19 testing centre opens in Lowestoft
It'll help find people not showing symptoms
A new covid-19 rapid testing centre opens its doors in Lowestoft this morning (15 February).
It's for those who can't work from home and aren't showing signs of coronavirus, to help identify those who should be self isolating.
Based at Waterlan Leisure Centre, it's one of 7 new sites opening across Suffolk.
It brings to 10 the total number of centres around the county using lateral flow testing to identify people who may have coronavirus but who do not have symptoms.
One in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms so regular testing is vital in breaking the chain of infection and keeping Suffolk safe.
Suffolk County Council is also finalising with the government the opening of a further 16 smaller sites to serve rural communities.
The testing sites are operated on behalf of Suffolk County Council (SCC) seven days a week between 7am and 6pm. Tests should be booked in advance.
Lateral flow testing involves taking a swab from the throat and nose to see whether coronavirus is present in the body.
The person tested will then receive a text message giving the result within an hour.
Anyone giving a positive test will be told to self-isolate and advised on what to do next.
People are being asked to get tested twice a week, three to four days apart, as part of their weekly routine.
Anyone receiving a negative result needs to continue to follow the social distancing guidance as they may only be at the early stages of developing the virus.
This is in case levels of the virus in a person at the earlier test were too low to be detected at that time.
The centres are being run by contractors Commisceo on behalf of SCC through government funding.
Appointments for tests can be made through registering on the booking website or calling 0333 772 6144.