Hucknall: Nottinghamshire Community Testing Programme passes 100,000 Covid-19 tests

There have been over 100,000 lateral flow tests taken by people without any Covid-19 symptoms across the county of Nottinghamshire so far.

In a bid to support the fight against the virus, as of Monday 6 September, over 100,000 tests have been taken to ensure people aren't carrying the virus and potentially transmitting it to others. Out of these tests, there have been nearly 500 positive cases of Covid-19 identified.

Around one in three people with Covid-19 don't have any symptoms, but can still pass it on, which is why rapid testing is such a vital tool in helping to identify cases of coronavirus that would otherwise not be found. Even those people who have been vaccinated can still pass on the virus – it is vital to still take regular tests.

Through the Community Testing Programme, people have benefited from easy access to tests at local testing centres and mobile units in neighbourhoods. The Programme has also given out nearly 60,000 home testing kits.

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire said: "Mansfield and other areas across the county are currently seeing high rates of transmission, in a wide range of settings, and affecting people of all ages. Asymptomatic testing plays a vital role in detecting these cases and breaking the chain of transmission.

"I'm delighted we've reached the 100,000 mark with so many people in Nottinghamshire taking regular tests to protect their communities and loved ones.

"Lateral flow tests are free, quick and easy to do and can be completed twice a week. Thank you to everyone who has already used these tests. With rates in Nottinghamshire remaining at a high level, I encourage everyone to make twice weekly testing a part of their routine, even if they have already been vaccinated"

Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health at Nottingham City Council, said: "This milestone is a great achievement to everyone that has worked hard to set up and sustain a successful community testing programme across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. I would like to thank everyone who have taken up this offer and have used these tests to protect the people around them.

"Now we are beginning to experience normal life again, testing is still an important tool in our efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 and continue to protect each other."

Group Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Macey, said: "As part of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we released 50 members of staff from their normal duties to support our partners. Out of those 50, we had six individuals working on Nottinghamshire's Community Testing sites.

"Those six members of staff worked extremely hard behind the scenes turning libraries, leisure centres, pubs and even football grounds into testing facilities.

"Our staff trained volunteers into testing operatives who have gone on to test thousands of people around the county.

"On behalf of everyone from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, we want to congratulate and thank everyone on this programme for their hard work throughout the tough months and for stepping up to this challenge. It has been fantastic to witness great teamwork and partnership working."

There are many sites across the city and county where you can take a test or pick up a box of home testing kits . For further information on opening times and how to order tests online click here .

Residents are asked to remember that if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have a positive rapid test, they must urgently take a PCR test. These tests can also be taken by people who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive. PCR tests can be booked online here or by calling 119.