Rapid testing available to everyone in Leicestershire next week

From Monday 29th March, anyone will be able to get a lateral flow test at one of seven centres in the county.

Previously it was only those leaving home for work or people in a bubble with school children who were eligible.

The move comes as a number of lockdown restrictions will be lifted on Monday as part of the second half of step one of the government's roadmap out of lockdown. People will no longer be legally required to stay home but asked to 'minimise travel'. 

Groups of up to six people will be allowed to meet outdoors, including in private gardens.

21,300 tests have been carried out at the seven testing centres which are located at:

•    Blaby and District Social Centre, LE8 4GQ
•    Gorse Covert Community Centre, Loughborough, LE11 4RZ
•    Harborough Leisure Centre (Bowls Hall), LE16 9HF
•    Polish Club, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0AN
•    Swannington Village Hall, LE67 8QL
•    Westfield Community Centre, Hinckley, LE10 0LN
•    Freer Centre, LE18 1HQ

The council has also made home testing kits available to anyone in regular contact with school-age children. They're can be collected from any of the community testing centres.

Mike Sandys, the council’s director of public health, said: “Rates in Leicestershire are at their lowest since late last summer. We’re seeing odd spikes in a couple of places but overall, it’s a good picture and I want to thank people for heeding the advice.

“Starting to open up is the trickiest point. Sadly, we’re not quite out of the woods yet and although the vaccine is rolling out and people are craving normality, if we go too fast too soon we’re likely to see more cases.

“Spring has sprung and I suspect our parks will be popular so I’d urge people to keep on using their common sense and stay safe. This is especially important if you’re going into someone’s garden. You might be tempted to pop inside – but remember the virus is spreading much more easily indoors. It’s so important to protect yourself and your loved ones."

To be eligible for the tests you must meet all of the following:

• You do NOT have symptoms of COVID-19, which can include:    
  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• You have NOT tested positive from any type of Covid-19 test, within the last 90 days
• You have NOT been in close contact with a positive case in the last 10 days
• You are aged 12 or above and are NOT part of an existing regular asymptomatic testing programme, e.g. through a workplace or educational setting