Test Twice a Week to beat Covid
5 July 2021
Covid-19
Everyone in Norfolk is being reminded to get tested for Covid 19 twice a week, as case numbers continue to rise in the county.
While Covid 19 cases in Norfolk remain low by national standards, at 26.7 cases per 100,000 compared to 149 across England, the rate has climbed by 13.3 per 100,000 over the past month and Public Health are reminding residents of the testing options open to everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, to help monitor and control the spread of the virus.
Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk’s Director of Public Health, said: “Even with the vaccination programme going well, we all have to remember to get tested: it’s just as important as ever. While the vaccines do an excellent job of mitigating Covid symptoms and avoid hospitalisation, even those of who are fully vaccinated can still catch and, worse, transmit the virus. To protect our loved ones and our communities, we need to continue to get tested.
“Getting tested regularly goes hand in hand with Hands, Face, Space as the best way to slow the spread of Covid and keep case numbers down.”
By taking two symptom-free Covid tests a week, Norfolk residents can help monitor how the virus spreads, and receive early warning of any new infections, helping slow the spread by isolating as soon as a positive test result is received.
To book a Covid test in Norfolk, visit:
Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The fact Norfolk has lower case rates than most of the country shows that most people are doing their part to protect themselves and others, but with case numbers creeping up it’s no time to get complacent. Regular testing not only helps NHS Test & Trace track the spread of the virus, it can also give us the peace of mind to go about our lives knowing we’re not endangering others. By getting in the habit of testing twice a week we can all do our part to protect each other and protect Norfolk.”
Symptom-free testing is available in a number of ways, allowing residents to choose the testing method that is right for them.
Symptom-free testing (also known as rapid testing or community testing) uses lateral flow device tests (LFDs). Lateral flow devices tests do not require a laboratory to process the test; the sample is applied to the lateral flow device's absorbent pad, then after 30 minutes visually shows a positive or negative result.
Testing can be observed by a trained professional at a range of community testing venues across Norfolk, or on one of Norfolk County Council’s mobile testing units; it is free, takes less than 15 minutes and the results will be ready after 30 minutes. The trained personnel will read, record and upload your test result onto the NHS Test and Trace system, and you will be notified by email/SMS/NHS COVID-19 app of the result.
Alternatively, free Covid 19 LFD tests, designed to be done at home, are available for anyone in Norfolk. These can be ordered online or picked up free of charge from any pharmacy or library in the county with no advance booking needed. Once a self-test is carried out, residents must upload the result to NHS Test & Trace even with a negative result, to help track where the virus is and is not spreading.
Employers can also request Workplace Surveillance Testing. Norfolk County Council has various ways to support symptom-free testing for all sizes of businesses. The best method may depend on how many employees a workplace has, with more details available on the Symptom-free testing webpage above.
Anyone who has Covid 19 symptoms – including a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or who has lost their sense of smell or taste or seen it change, can book a PCR test online at:
https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Anyone with symptoms and everyone they live with must immediately self-isolate: do not leave home until test results have been completed, except to post a test kit or to attend a PCR test appointment.
Where to get a symptom-free test
All libraries and pharmacies in Norfolk stock these test kits, which can be collected from any of these sites without any advance booking. Find your nearest site at:
https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
Alternatively, these kits can be sent directly to your home. You can order one pack of tests per household each day online at:
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Each pack contains seven tests, which will last an individual three and a half weeks, with testing carried out twice a week.
Anyone who has Covid 19 can book a PCR test online at:
https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If you develop symptoms, you must get a test done in the first 8 days of displaying symptoms, and results are most reliable in the first three days, so it is vital anyone who is symptomatic does not wait before getting a test.
Anyone with symptoms and everyone they live with must immediately self-isolate: do not leave home until test results have been completed, except to post a test kit or to attend a PCR test appointment.
For political comment
For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs
Group leaders’ and councillors’ contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillors
For further information please contact:
Communications Team at Norfolk County Council
Tel: 01603 228888
Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk
