Posted on Thursday 13th May 2021
People in Newcastle-under-Lyme are being reminded to get tested twice a week to help ensure cases of Covid-19 remain low as the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown approaches.
There are a range of testing options available to residents in the borough that offer supervised rapid tests in 30 minutes and also collection of home testing kits, including the community testing sites located at the Seabridge Centre and Merrial Street, local pharmacies and pop-up testing vans.
One in three people who have Covid-19 show no symptoms, and it is still possible for people who have been vaccinated to pass the virus on to others less protected, which is why everyone needs to get tested regularly, even if they have had their vaccine.
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, Dr Johnny McMahon, said: “Apart from the physical health of our residents the peace of mind that comes with knowing our population is regularly tested and, where appropriate, vaccinated is sure to improve the mental health of people who have been through a rough year of lockdowns and in some cases isolation.”
Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Simon Tagg, said: “By continuing to focus on testing, even when there are no symptoms, we are helping to keep both ourselves and our loved ones safe.
“If we continue to keep cases low and get tested regularly, we can safely get back to the activities we all want to as summer approaches.”
Residents can find more information on testing options available to them at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/testing.
Anybody with symptoms should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.