Rapid testing centre opens in Martlesham
It'll help find people not showing symptoms
A new rapid testing centre for covid-19 opens in Martlesham this morning (16 February).
It's the latest in a series of sites to be unveiled in Suffolk to help find people who have coronavirus but don't have symptoms.
Based at the Community Hall in Felixstowe Road, it'll be offering appointments for those who are unable to work from home.
The testing site is 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.