RAPID testing in Slough has been extended until March 31 to keep catching “silent spreaders”.
The Covid-19 community testing was originally due to end at the of February – but that has now been extended, the council announced.
From next week, there will be three testing centres across Slough, all with extended opening hours.
These are:
- The Centre, Farnham Road – open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8am to 8pm (6pm on Saturdays)
- Langley Pavilion, Langley Road – open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8am to 6pm
- Arbour Park, Stoke Road – open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8am to 6pm
READ MORE: All Slough areas continue to see massive drops in Covid-19 cases
The Covid community testing is for those who are asymptomatic – meaning they don’t show coronavirus symptoms.
The centres are also offering testing for children under 12, as well as older children and adults, as long as the test is administered by a parent or guardian under supervision by the medical professionals on site.
Residents can book a slot at any of the three centres or just pop in during opening hours. Results are received within the hour.
Councillor Natasa Pantelic, lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “Mass rapid testing is an excellent way of finding out if someone is one of the one in three people who have covid but without showing any symptoms.
“With no symptoms and without a test, people can be silent spreaders of the virus, passing it on to those who may be far worse affected.
“At the moment – those who need to work outside home are advised to get a rapid test twice a week. Slough has so many of these workers, from taxi, minicab and delivery drivers and childcare workers to shop staff and the best way they can help keep themselves, their families and community safe is by getting tested regularly.
“The test is quick, easy and free and gives the peace of mind that while doing their vital work they have not caught covid or are infecting others.
“Slough covid case rates are falling, which is excellent news for all of us but around 50 Slough people a day are still catching covid.
“I would urge everyone who goes out and about to get a test and make sure they are not a silent spreader.”
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Since the programme began in January, 10,271 rapid tests have been done in Slough – with 205 people found to be Covid positive but with no symptoms.
Current covid case rates in Slough are 210.6 per 100,000 of the population. There are 58 residents in hospital due to Covid with an average age of just 67.
More information and a link to book a test can be found at slough.gov.uk/coronavirus/mass-rapid-testing
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