Pop-up, symptom-free COVID-19 testing rolled out in Plymouth
More than 1,700 home testing kits were handed out here on Monday
Over 1,750 symptom-free home testing kits were handed out on Monday, the first day of a new pop-up stand in Plymouth city centre.
The Government announced that everyone who is going to work, or regularly going out and about, should take a rapid, lateral flow test twice a week. The tests are for people who are not displaying any symptoms of COVID-19.
To make it as easy as possible for local people to access these tests, there are a number of locations in Plymouth that tests can be conducted under supervision or, collected to be taken home and carried out there.
Plymouth City Council has set up a temporary stall in Place de Brest, near Barclays bank.
It is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, offering assisted testing, but also handing out home testing kits. Each box contains seven individual tests and should last one person 3.5 weeks, when testing twice a week.
In addition, the free, rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests are also available through the mobile testing van which visits locations around the city each week.
For people who are unable to access tests through their employer, one of the local test collection or supervised sites, you can order a box of home tests online or through 119, which will be delivered to your home.
Dr Ruth Harrell, Plymouth's Director of Public Health, said:
"Rates in Plymouth are at their lowest since late last summer. We're seeing odd spikes in a couple of places but overall, it's a good picture and I want to thank people for heeding the advice.
"Starting to open up is the trickiest point. Sadly, we're not quite out of the woods yet and although the vaccine is rolling out and people are craving normality, if we go too fast too soon we're likely to see more cases.
"Testing is important but it doesn't give you a free pass - you must still follow the guidance and remember hands, face and space. It take less than 30 minutes to have the test and get your results, and with our rollout of home testing, it is even easier. There are no excuses."