Mobile testing times have changed to enable stops in more communities
From this week a mobile COVID-19 Community Testing Centre will stop at two additional communities, Holsworthy and Mortonhampstead.
The mobile centres stop in communities twice a week on given days, offering rapid testing to those without symptoms.
The additional stops mean that the times of the previous scheduled visits at all of the Devon County Council-run sites have had to change.
Holsworthy and Mortonhampsted are the latest in a list of mobile rapid testing stops, that include Ashburton, Axminster, Barnstaple, Bideford, Buckfastleigh, Crediton, Cullompton, Dartmouth, Dawlish, Exeter, Exmouth, Great Torrington, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Lynton-Lynmouth, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Seaton, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton and Totnes.
The revised schedules include location changes to stops in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Crediton, Ashburton-Buckfastleigh and Honiton.
And the day of at least one of the two stops has also changed in both Ivybridge and Tavistock.
To find out the days, times and locations of a testing centre near you visit devon.cc/flow
The tests are for anyone without symptoms. If you test negative, you can carry on with your day while still adhering to the public health measures.
If you test positive you must self-isolate for ten days.
The public is encouraged to take these tests twice a week as it helps identify those who maybe unwittingly carrying the virus.
People with symptoms – a new and continuous cough, high temperature, or change to their usual sense of taste or smell - should immediately self-isolate and arrange a PCR test via the NHS.
Alternatively, people can collect home test kits from any of the council’s mobile testing sites, so that they can take the lateral flow tests at home. Staff at the mobile testing sites can show you how to take the test if you’re not sure how to use the test kit.
Home test kits can also be ordered from the NHS to be delivered to people’s home address, and they are available from NHS testing locations and pharmacies that are part of the Pharmacy Collect scheme.
Carers, personal assistants and front line social care staff can also order and collect testing kits at the same time as their PPE supplies.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: “Community testing is a vital tool in our efforts to continue to suppress the spread of the virus.
“Your results are back with you within the hour. Testing is particularly important if you leave home to work or volunteer, or if you’re a carer for instance.
“If you test positive, you must self-isolate for ten days, and you will be asked to take a PCR test via the NHS to confirm you have COVID-19.
“If you’re negative, you can stop self-isolating but please remember to adhere to public health rules – keep your social distance, wear a face covering when indoors in a public space, and wash your hands regularly.”
