Rapid Covid testing now available at some Shropshire pharmacies
Essential workers without Covid-19 symptoms can now book a rapid test at a number of pharmacies in Shropshire – giving greater access to testing for some rural areas of the county.
The tests are available for people who cannot work from home, who live or work in Shropshire and who do not have any symptoms of Covid-19.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s director of public health said: “This is another important way for us to support our residents to stay healthy and well.
"We know that people are concerned about unwittingly spreading the virus. These tests offer a way for people to have that peace of mind, and if they do test positive, act quickly to self-isolate and reduce the risk to others.
“These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested regularly. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.”
“We have expanded our offer following the success and demand at the our centres at The Lantern in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms Community Centre to offer greater availability and access.”
A spokesman for the council added: "Rapid turnaround tests are supplied by NHS Test and Trace and will help identify people who are positive for Covid-19 but have no symptoms. Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms. Broadening testing to include those with no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and help to break the chains of transmission."
The speedy tests can turn around results within an hour, without the need for processing the swabs in a lab.
The pharmacy sites are at Craven Arms, Bishops Castle, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Cleobury Mortimer, Highley, and Ellesmere – but places must be booked.
The council also runs its own rapid testing centres at the Lantern in Shrewsbury, the Halo Centre in Craven Arms and the Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form in Wem.
Walk-in rapid testing sites, without the need for booking, are also be available from 1pm today at the following sites: Bridgnorth Community Centre; Shifnal Cricket Club; The Victoria Centre – Oswestry.
The pharmacy tests can be booked online at 1centralhealth.co.uk/shropshirelft
Rapid tests at the council sites can be booked at http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting
