Residents in Redcar and Cleveland are being encouraged to continue to protect the people they love and get tested for Covid-19 at one of the testing sites across the area.
Key workers and people who cannot work from home are recommended to get tested twice a week along with households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges. Under plans being drawn up by the Government every adult will eventually be asked to test themselves for Covid-19 at least twice a week as the country eases out of lockdown.
Asymptomatic testing, for people not showing any Covid-19 symptoms, aimed at key workers and people who cannot work from home is available at:
- Redcar Leisure Centre, Ridley Street, Redcar, TS10 1TD book online at https://redcar-and-cleveland-council2.reservio.com/
- Loftus Fire Station, Coronation Rd, Loftus, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 4SW book online at https://redcar-cleveland-council.reservio.com/
- Golden Boy Green Community Centre, Normanby Road, South Bank, TS6 6SD book online at https://redcar-cleveland-council2.reservio.com/
Around one third of people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms and can pass the virus on to loved ones without knowing it. The tests are quick and easy and results are generally available in around 30 minutes.
Tests can be booked online. However, if you are unable to book a test a very limited number of walk-in appointments are available each day.
People who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature, new continuous cough and change or loss of their sense of taste of smell – must not book a test at any of the Redcar & Cleveland asymptomatic test sites.
If you do have symptoms, you can book a Coronavirus test online on the NHS website at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
The testing sites at Belmont House, Guisborough and Inspire2Learn, Eston remain open seven days a week, 8am-8pm for residents with symptoms.
If at least one member of your household is a school, nursery or college pupil, works in a school, nursery or college, works in an occupation related to a school, nursery or college, you can collect two packs of home testing kits at one of two collection points in Redcar and Cleveland:
- walk-in testing site at Inspire2Learn (Normanby Road)
- walk-in testing site at Belmont House, Guisborough
Each pack contains seven tests, and can be collected by anyone aged 18 or over.
The collection points will be open from 1:30pm to 7pm, and you do not need to make an appointment. You can find your nearest collection point online. You can also check online if the location is open, or busy, before you go. We hope to set up more collection points soon.
If you cannot get tested at your workplace, and you're not able to go to a test site or collect test kits, you can order a home testing kit online. Order a rapid lateral flow home testing kit now.
Do not order testing kits online if you can get a test another way. This means home delivery will be available for those who need it most.
Councillor Steve Kay, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said:
“We have extended the testing capacity across Redcar & Cleveland to make it as easy as possible for people with and without Coronavirus symptoms to get tested, which helps protect their loved ones and the vulnerable in our communities.
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the opportunity to get tested so far and remind residents of the importance of getting tested so we can return to normal life as quickly as possible.
“Regular testing will ensure you are not infectious and help keep yourself safe and your loved ones and your community safe."
More information and advice is available via www.gov.uk/coronavirus. You can also contact NHS 111 Coronavirus Service for further advice by dialling 111. If reading English is hard for you, the 111 phone service can get an interpreter to help you.
If you experience a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste you should self-isolate immediately and arrange to get a test by dialling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
If you are a vulnerable person who is concerned about going shopping to get essential items, you can contact the Council via email support@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or call 01642 774774.