Rapid coronavirus tests now available in Staffordshire pharmacies
Around 80 local pharmacies are involved
Pharmacies across Staffordshire are joining the fight against the spread of Covid-19 by offering symptom-free rapid testing.
People without symptoms can now book a rapid lateral flow test at a participating local pharmacy, to make it as convenient as possible to get tested.
Staffordshire County Council has teamed up with around 80 local pharmacies to offer the tests, which take just 30 minutes to carry out, as well as the ability to pick up packs of tests for home testing.
People can find out where their nearest testing centre or collection point by visiting: https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
The move is the latest in the fight against Covid-19, to make testing more accessible and convenient to those who need to be out and about.
One in three people who have coronavirus don’t show any symptoms, so regular testing means these cases can be isolated to prevent any further spread.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "To continue easing our way out of lockdown, we need to ensure that regular testing becomes a way of life. Testing identifies those cases that aren’t displaying symptoms, meaning we can isolate these to prevent any further spread of the virus. As more places open up under the Government’s road map out of lockdown, stopping the spread of Covid-19 is essential.
"By working with local pharmacies, we can ensure that people who are out and about in their high streets or town centres can pop in to get a test, or pick up a free pack so they can carry out testing at home. Testing is free, easy and convenient, and along with taking up the offer of a vaccine when eligible, it is an important way for us to help stop the spread of coronavirus."