Quarter of a million rapid tests handed out in Staffordshire
More than 250,000 rapid coronavirus tests have been given to Staffordshire residents at local sites.
Staffordshire County Council has been offering rapid Covid-19 tests to residents without symptoms since last autumn, both at community testing sites and mobile pop-up testing vans.
One in three people with Covid do not show symptoms, making regular testing an essential tool to check they are not carrying the virus before leaving home to visit people outside of their household, go to work or the shops.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, Dr Johnny McMahon, said: “Thanks to the hard work of staff, partners and volunteers, a quarter of a million tests have now been given to people in Staffordshire to help alert those who are infectious and need to self-isolate, while allowing others to carry on with their everyday lives.
“Reaching this milestone shows that residents recognise how vital regular testing is to controlling coronavirus, protecting our loved ones and opening back up our local economy. More than 15,000 people are being tested weekly and we will continue to provide a range of community testing options to ensure rapid testing is quick and easy for our residents.”
Director for health and care at Staffordshire County Council, Dr. Richard Harling, stressed the importance of continued regular testing as national restrictions ease.
Dr. Harling added: “Regular testing remains an effective way to contain the spread of infection, protect our fellow residents and help ensure restrictions can continue to be lifted as planned.
“It is easier than ever before to build testing into your regular routine, with rapid tests available from community testing sites, pharmacies, mobile testing pop ups and other venues such as local libraires. People can also get tests from schools and selected workplaces.”
