Frontline workers in East Lindsey are encouraged to access Covid-19 testing - even if they have no symptoms

Around one in three people can be infected with Covid-19 and 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 can break the chains of transmission.

Those aged 16 and over who are frontline workers in East Lindsey are being asked to access regular Covid-19 tests if they have no symptoms.

Those aged 16 and 17 should be accompanied by an adult or have consent of parent/guardian.

Frontline workers includes anyone who works with the public, examples include hairdressers, retail, café, bar and restaurant staff.

Drop in testing is now available for people without symptoms at the following locations:

• Back of Meridian Leisure Centre, Wood Lane, Louth LN11 8SA - Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – 10am to 5.30pm and Thursdays 7am to 1pm – please park in the car park and walk round the back of the centre, towards the skate park, the testing is in the changing room area at the rear of the building. You do not need to access the leisure centre.

• Arts Room, at Embassy Theatre, Grand Parade, Skegness PE25 2UG – there is an entrance to the testing from the rear car park - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – 10am to 2.30pm

• Stanhope Hall, Boston Road, Horncastle LN9 6EY – meeting room to the right of the hall as you go through the main doors - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – 9.30am to 5pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm

• Trusthorpe Village Community Hall, Sutton Road, Trusthorpe, LN12 2PL - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – 9am to 5pm and Fridays 7.30am to 2pm

No appointment is necessary. Just turn up.

The test used provides an indication as to whether you have the virus and you can expect your results in around one hour.

Where the indication is that you do have a positive result, you will be required to isolate immediately along with other members of your household and to have the full PCR Covid-19 test that will need to be booked at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119

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 www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and must not attend these sites.

Please do not attend these sites if you have been asked to self-isolate.

The district council have been working with Lincolnshire County Council’s Public Health and other partners to deliver this programme.

Natalie Liddle, Acting Head of Service – Health Protection, said: “Community testing for key workers who don’t know they are carrying the virus has already proved its worth across sites in Lincolnshire.

“If we want to keep infection rates down and stop people unknowingly spreading the virus among family and friends then rapid testing will play major part.

“With the easing of restrictions and the gradual return to normal life it’s more vital than ever that we don’t become complacent.

“I’d urge local residents who are offered it to use the testing sites provided in East Lindsey – the more we know about infection rates the better.

“Remember, this is for those people who aren’t showing symptoms of the virus - if you have any symptoms please self-isolate and book a test through the national system as soon as possible.”

More information is available at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/FrontlineTesting