Rapid community testing begins across Hampshire

11 community testing sites will begin operation across the county from this week.

The six-week scheme aimed at those without symptoms of coronavirus who are regularly leaving home to go to work, and who are not covered by an existing workplace testing scheme, will roll out over the next few days.

Councillor Judith Grajewski, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Public Health, said:

"This is a hugely positive and important development in our response to the pandemic and our continued efforts to protect the health of residents. Around one in three people with COVID-19 display no symptoms and could be spreading the virus without knowing. Community testing will help prevent transmission and break chains of infection, by identifying more cases quickly and ensuring that people are supported to self-isolate. Our teams at leisure centres, libraries and community centres have been working tirelessly to prepare their sites ready for the start of testing from this week, and I would urge everyone who has to leave home for work to come forward for regular testing to protect themselves, their loved ones and our communities."

Each district in the county will have a test site and will be by appointment only.

In the Test Valley that's at Picket Twenty Sports Ground in Andover whilst in the New Forest it's at Totton Health and Leisure Centre.

Residents should check their district council websites for confirmation of exact 'go live' dates.

People who are working from home or shielding should not attend a community testing site.

Councillor Grajewski added:

"It's important to note that asymptomatic testing works hand-in-hand with the existing testing services available across Hampshire for those who are experiencing symptoms, and anyone with a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. "

HOW RAPID ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING WORKS

• Tests can be booked online 24 hours in advance through any district website or on the County Council website and appointments should take no more than 30 minutes. Anyone who cannot book online should contact their district council, who will be able to book a test on your behalf.

• You will be asked not to eat anything for 30 minutes prior to your test.

• You will take a lateral flow test, which involves a self-administered swab of the nose and throat, under the guidance of trained staff.

• Results will be confirmed after leaving the testing site by text message sent direct to your mobile (or to a nominated mobile phone belonging to a family member or friend, if you do not have your own).

• You will be invited to return for testing every three to five days throughout the six-week programme.

• Anyone receiving a positive test result will need to follow self-isolation guidance, but will not need to book a follow-up test.

For more information, visit www.hants.gov.uk/testing-no-symptoms

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