 If you are over 18 and don’t have symptoms of coronavirus you can now get free rapid COVID-19 tests from your local community testing sites, local pharmacies or online.
Over 11,000 tests for people without COVID-19 symptoms have already been done at our Coronavirus rapid testing sites in Dunstable, Flitwick and Biggleswade while over 1,500 home test kits have been given out.
If you don’t have symptoms you can get a free, rapid test at any of our centres in Biggleswade, Dunstable and Flitwick, where the experienced staff will demonstrate how to do a high-quality test at home and can give you a home test kit.
You can also use the Government’s new home ordering service, which allows you to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to your home or collect tests through participating local pharmacies.
If you have coronavirus symptoms you should not use this service but must get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms: a high temperature; a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
PCR tests can be booked here.
Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing and Communities, Cllr Tracey Stock, welcomed the news, saying:
“Our community testing centres have carried out over 11,000 tests and found 45 people who were positive for COVID-19 despite having no symptoms. This means 45 local residents are now able to take action to protect themselves, their families and everyone around them, reducing the spread of infection.
“With around one in three people who have coronavirus showing no symptoms, regular rapid testing is vital for those individuals who have regular contact with people who are not part of their household or bubble.
“Regular testing will help identify more people who have COVID-19 and help to reduce the spread of the virus as they will know how to self-isolate.”
A rapid test, also called a lateral flow test (LFR), is a test for people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms and give results in 30 minutes.
If your LFR test is positive or if you have symptoms you should self-isolate at home and book a PCR test online on the NHS website or call 119.
Find out more at our website and www.NHS.UK/get-tested
Flitwick Leisure Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK45 1TH. The testing centre at Flitwick is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 7pm. Parking is available at the centre.
The Dunstable Centre, Court Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 4JD. The testing centre at Dunstable is open 7 days a week from 8am to 7pm. Parking is available at the Grove Park car park, in front of Go Bowling, and will be free whilst it is being used as a testing site.
Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Biggleswade, Saxon Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8SU. The test centre at Biggleswade will operate on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, from 8am to 7pm. Parking is available at the centre.
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