Free rapid Covid testing kits available at sites across Shropshire
People across Shropshire will be able to pick up free lateral flow Covid-19 home testing kits from sites across the county.
The new collection points for the tests will be available at libraries and leisure centres from Monday.
They will be available from Shrewsbury Library, Oswestry Library, Whitchurch Library, Bridgnorth Library, Church Stretton Library, Market Drayton Library, Bishop’s Castle Library and Ludlow Library.
They will also be at Church Stretton Leisure Centre, SpArC Bishops Castle Leisure Centre, Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Roman Road Sports Centre and Idsall Sports Centre.
Other collection points include Shrewsbury Covid-19 Testing Centre at Shirehall overflow car park, Oswestry Covid-19 Testing Centre in Beatrice Street car park and Ludlow's Smithfield Car Park.
Walk in, symptom-free testing centres across Shropshire will also stock them.
These include Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn, The Lantern in Harlescott, Halo Community Centre in Craven Arms, Stage Door Theatre in Wem, Bridgnorth Community Centre, Raven House in Market Drayton and The Victoria Centre in Oswestry
People who collect a home testing kit are being encouraged to complete a test on site to gain an understanding of how they work.
Several Shropshire pharmacies are also offering in-person testing, as well as collection.
The lateral flow kits can provide results in around 30 minutes and can be ordered for home delivery.
Important
Adults can pick up a maximum of two kits each per visit for their own use.
Instructions on how to use the tests and record results are included with the kits.
People with symptoms of Covid-19 should not take a rapid test. Instead, they should stay at home and book a PCR test online or by calling 119.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s director of public health said: “We now have collection points across the whole of Shropshire, making it much easier for everyone across the county to access this rapid testing, free of charge.
“Symptom-free testing plays an incredibly important role in preventing the spread of the virus, stopping outbreaks before they can happen, and ultimately protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“I would encourage all households to make sure they get hold of these tests and use them twice a week if possible.”
