Covid testing teams return to York streets
They're out and about in the city today (2 June) and on Friday (4 June).
York Council's contact tracing teams are returning to the city's streets today and Friday, offering symptom-free coronavirus testing kits.
The teams will also be encouraging residents to test themselves twice a week, to keep case numbers and infection rates low.
Officials insist it isn't in response to rising case numbers, or any variants of concern being present in the city.
The action is being taken alongside in-person testing and collection points, as well as providing testing kits to employers for their staff.
When and where?
On Wednesday 2 June the teams will visit properties in Alcuin Avenue, Burlington Avenue, Etty Avenue and Flaxman Avenue .
On Friday 4 June the teams will be out on March Street, Abbott Street, Penley Grove Street, St John Street, Garden Street and Fern Street.
"We can't afford to be complacent."
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said: “The targeted handing-out of Covid tests last month was a great success. Actively reaching out into our communities is crucial to ensuring the continued success of our city in combatting the virus, and I hope that these continued efforts by the council will be warmly welcomed by residents.
“It is of great importance that we continue our efforts to keep each other safe and keep York open. Getting tested regularly, getting the vaccine when you are eligible and remembering Hands, Face, Space, and Fresh Air, are a key part of that.”
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, City of York Council said: “Last month council staff handed out hundreds of free Covid tests to people across York, and were well received by residents.
“We are continuing to take a preventative approach. 1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms. As we are able to see more of our friends and family we want to give our city the best possible chance of keeping cases down by encouraging more people to get tested.
“Infection rates in York remain low currently but we can’t afford to be complacent. I would like to thank everyone in the city for their continued efforts. It is through this vigilance practicing Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air, getting tested regularly and getting the vaccine when called that we can continue to reopen our city and protect our recovery from the pandemic.”