Rapid test centre opens in Tiverton this Saturday
Devon's third community testing centre, offering rapid coronavirus tests that provide results within the hour, opens in Tiverton on Saturday and is now taking bookings.
It's in the car park of Tiverton's Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Bolham Road, Tiverton, Mid Devon, and will be open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week with extended hours 7am to 7pm Mondays and Thursdays.
It will provide lateral flow tests for anyone who leaves the house to work or volunteer, and who comes into contact with others.
The purpose of community testing is to identify those who do not have symptoms but may be unwittingly carrying the virus.
One in three people with coronavirus do not show any symptoms and by testing negative it will ensure that residents can continue their day while still following public health rules.
Anyone testing positive is required to go home and self-isolate.
People who can’t work from home and who are in contact with others regularly are encouraged to take these quick tests twice a week to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
Fixed testing sites are also open now at County Hall in Exeter and The Civic Centre in Barnstaple with another planned in Newton Abbot.
We have also launched mobile testing units, available for booking now in Honiton, Exmouth, Axminster, Okehampton, Tavistock and Ivybridge.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said:
“The opening of this third fixed site combined with our two new mobile units means that from next week more people will have access to quick, painless testing near where they live or work.
“If through work or volunteering you come into contact with others, for example if you are a carer or a member of the emergency services, we encourage you to take these tests twice a week as it will help stop the virus from spreading.
“Your results will come back within the hour and If you test positive, you’ll be asked to self-isolate for ten days. If you’re negative, you can continue your day but must social distance, wear a face covering when indoors in a public space and wash your hands regularly.”
Community Testing Centres are for people who are not showing any symptoms and who aren’t already accessing regular testing, through their employer for example. Anyone showing symptoms of having the virus should apply to the national testing programme.
To book a rapid test and to find out more about Community Testing in Devon, visit devon.cc/testing
