- Testing of asymptomatic key workers and people who cannot work from home began on Monday, 25 January 2021.
- Over 700 people tested so far with appointments available this week and next week.
- Partnership between Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Department of Health and Social Care and Everyone Active using lateral flow tests to help keep our precious services moving.
Over 700 key workers and people who cannot work from home have received a Covid-19 lateral flow test at the Redcar Leisure Centre testing facility since it opened on Monday, 25 January.
The testing site has nearly 400 people booked in for the remainder of the week but still has plenty of capacity for anyone, who is a key worker or cannot work from home, to book an appointment or to turn up at the centre for a test.
To book a test visit the Council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or call 01642 774774. You must not be displaying any Coronavirus symptoms and be a key worker or unable to work from home.
This latest scheme aims to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by identifying people who cannot work from home who are positive but who do not display any Coronavirus symptoms. About one in three people with Coronavirus do not have symptoms and are spreading the virus without realising.
Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Cllr Mary Lanigan said:
“The roll-out of community testing has the potential to make a real difference in managing the spread of the virus.
“The response from the public has been great and so far two positive cases have been picked up from people who displayed no symptoms. I would encourage more of our key workers and people who cannot work from home, to grasp this opportunity to get a test, and help protect their loved ones and the wider community.
“If people who show no symptoms but test positive self-isolate, it will not only help to protect their loved ones and the vulnerable in our communities, but it will also enable life to return to normal as quickly as possible."
Lateral flow tests – which produce results in around 30 minutes – are on offer at the Redcar Leisure Centre, Ridley Street, Redcar, TS10 1TD – Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 6.30pm.
The testing is supported by trained volunteers and the lateral flow tests allow the public to test themselves before the results are analysed on-site. The results are usually available within 30 minutes.
Anyone displaying the following Coronavirus symptoms should not come to the Redcar Leisure Centre for a test:
- a new, continuous cough
- a high temperature; or
- a loss of, or change, in your sense of smell or taste.
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should follow the guidance online on how to book a test – https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test – or call 119. Lines are open 7am to 11pm. You will also need to need to stay at home and self-isolate.
The scheme in Redcar is being delivered in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and NHS Test and Trace and offers self-administered tests.
Free parking for anyone getting a test is available in the Council-run car park on Kirkleatham Street.