Take a regular rapid covid test plea to Cambridgeshire people

Cambridgeshire residents are being urged to take regular rapid covid tests.

People are being reminded of the several options available to take a rapid Covid test. Regular lateral flow testing is highly recommended for all, as part of national efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in light of the new Omicron variant.

One in three people who have Covid-19 will not show any symptoms, meaning the virus can be spread unknowingly.

Rapid testing helps to identify positive cases, enabling a person to self-isolate and breaking the chain of transmission.

Rapid lateral flow home testing kits can be collected from rapid testing sites as well as a selection of pharmacies and libraries across Cambridgeshire. The kits are free, easy to use and will give you a result within 30 minutes.

Our testing sites across Cambridgeshire currently have a good stock of testing kits available.

You can also take a supervised lateral flow test at testing sites. These are rapid lateral flow testing sites for people without symptoms - please do not come to these sites if you have symptoms, you must book a PCR test at www.gov.uk

Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting for more details on how to access testing from any of these options.

Jyoti Atri, director of public health for Cambridgeshire, said: “With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant it is now more important than ever to test regularly. We recommend testing before going out to places where you are likely to come into close contact with other people, such as busy public venues, travelling on public transport or going to Christmas parties.

"I would urge everyone to get into the habit of regular testing to help stop the spread of the virus. There is high demand for testing kits right now, but there are several options to consider if you can’t initially get a kit. If you do test positive and need to self-isolate there is plenty of support available.”

For people who can’t access rapid testing through the sites or other venues, you can order a box of tests online from www.gov.uk or by calling 119, which will be delivered to your home.

For more information on what to do if you test positive for Covid-19 visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting Guidance for people who are contacts of people who have tested positive for Covid can be found here

For information on support available for people who are self-isolating visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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