CORONAVIRUS: Venues for Boston's mass community testing programme unveiled

Details of community testing programme for Boston unveiled

The programme is open to everyone over 16 in the district and is being administered by Boston Borough Council.

The programme gets underway on Monday at 8am at the Peter Paine Performance Centre on Rosebery Avenue, and the Tollfield Campus of Haven High on Tollfield Road, Boston.

The sites will be open until 8pm seven days a week until Sunday February 14.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it.

“Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly and breaking chains of transmission.

“With its targeted approach, community testing aims to reduce the prevalence of the virus in the highest risk areas. The Boston Borough has been included in the enhanced community testing programme following a successful bid to Government from Lincolnshire County Council.

“Testing will be available for people without symptoms at the following locations from Monday, January 18, 2021, between the hours of 8am and 8am.

Peter Paine Performance Centre, Rosebery Avenue, Boston PE21 7QR

Tollfield Campus Haven High, Tollfield Road, Boston PE21 9PN

"No appointment is necessary.

"The test used provides an indication as to whether you have the virus in around one hour. Where the indication is that you do have the virus, you will be required to have the full Covid-19 test.

"Anyone displaying symptoms - a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should continue to book at test via the Government testing website at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119."

Dr Neill Hepburn, Medical Director for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Community COVID testing is a practical way we can keep our loved ones, colleagues and friends safe by preventing the spread of the virus. You will also be doing your part to keep the health services running and available when you need them.”