Covid-19 testing extended in Calderdale
Four more areas will start testing to contain the spread of the virus
Last updated 22nd Jun 2021
COVID-19 testing is being extended to more parts of Calderdale to help contain the spread of the virus.
People who live, work or study in Ryburn, Sowerby Bridge, Illingworth or Mixenden are being asked to get tested due to rapidly increasing cases in these areas.
Extra testing is continuing in the Park, Todmorden and Warley.
It comes as COVID-19 infection rates are still rising across Calderdale.
On Sunday 20 June, the latest rate was 137 per 100,000 - a 33% increase compared to the previous week.
The Delta variant, which spreads more quickly, now makes up the majority of cases.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“Calderdale now has the highest COVID testing rate in the region and we’re incredibly grateful to all the residents, schools, workplaces and other organisations which have played a part in this.
“Rapidly increasing case rates in some parts of the borough mean we’re now offering extra PCR testing to people without symptoms in areas with the highest case rates and where there is a high risk of transmission.
“We urge people to keep doing everything they can to help protect themselves and others, including taking up the extra testing in some parts of Calderdale.”
Deborah Harkins, the Council’s Director of Public Health, said:
“We are reviewing COVID case rates and the uptake of extra testing every day, and making changes to the location of testing sites where needed. Please keep an eye on our website for updates.
“If you live in one of the areas where additional testing is taking place, even if you do regular rapid Lateral Flow Tests at home, it’s important that you take a PCR test, regardless of whether you have symptoms. You may want to swap one of your regular Lateral Flow Tests for a PCR test, so that you aren’t doing any more tests than usual but are helping to identify and contain any new variants of concern.”