People in Middlesbrough urged to continue getting tested for Covid-19
The council has released new figures surrounding community testing
The importance of regular Covid tests is being stressed as new figures are released on community testing.
In Middlesbrough almost 7,000 tests have identified 27 positive cases since the Council's programme was launched in February.
It is open to anyone who lives or works in Middlesbrough, but is particularly aimed at those who can't work from home and come into contact with lots of people.
All adults in England are now being encouraged to take lateral flow tests twice a week to support the roadmap out of lockdown.
South Tees Joint Director of Public Health Mark Adams said:
"Every rapid test someone takes helps us get back to normality sooner and safer. The more people that get into the routine, the better chance we have of staying on top of Covid.
"By identifying positive cases that would have otherwise gone undetected, leading to further infection, we're able to prevent outbreaks, help businesses to stay open and ultimately save jobs.
"Regular testing is fast, free and easy to do. Alongside the vaccination programme and people following social distancing rules, it's so important for the immediate future."
If people test positive and self-isolate along with their contacts, it can help stop the virus spreading.
Anyone who gets a negative result after a rapid test must continue to follow all social distancing rules.
Free rapid tests can be ordered online or by calling 119.
Slots for assisted tests at Middlesbrough Sports Village and community hubs at Newport and North Ormesby can be booked online.
Test kits can be collected from those three sites without making a booking during their opening hours which are available here.
The sports village site will be closed on May 5, 6 and 7 due to local elections. The hub sites will also be closed on May 6.
Tests can now also be collected from the additional venues:
• Al Mustafa Centre, Parliament Road, Fridays from 12pm-2pm
• Breckon Hill Community Centre, Monday-Thursday 9am-4am, Fridays 9am-2pm
• CVFM, Victoria Road, Tuesday - Thursday, 10.30am-3pm
• Jamia Al-Madina Mosque, Waterloo Road, Fridays from 12pm-2pm
Rapid tests are only to be used for people without symptoms of Covid-19.
Anyone with a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste should book a test online or by calling 119.
As of Friday 30th April, Middlesbrough's Covid infection rate was 22 per 100,000.