Rapid Covid test centre opens in Market Rasen

“I would urge individuals to make use of the tests to ensure we are able to keep the most vulnerable people in our community safe.”
Testing is under way at Market Rasen's Festival Hall (committee room) EMN-210427-101727001Testing is under way at Market Rasen's Festival Hall (committee room) EMN-210427-101727001
Testing is under way at Market Rasen's Festival Hall (committee room) EMN-210427-101727001

That is the message from the chief executive of West Lindsey District Council as the new testing facility opened in Market Rasen on Monday (April 26).

Any member of the public, not showing symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), can get a supervised rapid-turnaround lateral flow test at the Festival Hall (committee room) facility, which will be open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm.

The tests will be supplied by the NHS Test and Trace and provide results within the hour.

Alice Ross (Test Site Supervisor), left, and Kerry Greenaway.Alice Ross (Test Site Supervisor), left, and Kerry Greenaway.
Alice Ross (Test Site Supervisor), left, and Kerry Greenaway.

Home Testing Kits will also be available for collection.

Mr Knowles is now urging residents to make testing part of their new routine.

He said: “I am delighted that we are able to support the expansion of local testing here in West Lindsey.

“The lateral flow tests have already been hugely successful in identifying cases quickly – and anything we as a local authority can do to help stop the spread has to be welcomed.”

Around 1 in 3 people have COVID-19 without displaying any symptoms.

These figures have promoted the need to boost community testing, in a bid to curb the spread.

West Lindsey District Council is working in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, Everyone Active (West Lindsey Leisure Centre provider) and Market Rasen Town Council to increase access to testing.

This will help to identify those who unknowingly have the virus and enable those who test positive and their contacts to self-isolate, which can help drive down the R rate locally and save lives.

Lucy Waller, Town Clerk at Market Rasen Town Council, said: “Market Rasen Town Council has been privileged to work alongside various partner agencies supporting the local community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are therefore pleased to be able to support West Lindsey District Council to provide further vital rapid testing services to the residents of Market Rasen and the wider district.

“The wellbeing of our residents is of huge importance to the Town Council and we join with West Lindsey District Council in urging residents to make use of the new testing facility.”

Swabbing and processing of the tests will be conducted at the site by trained personnel.

Anyone testing positive will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts and they will be asked to stay at home for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus and advise to book a test if they develop symptoms.

Lateral flow antigen tests are a new kind of technology that can be used to test a higher proportion of asymptomatic people so they can isolate and stop the spread of the virus.

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 a 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 in West Lindsey to use the testing sites provided – 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.”