Following Government approval received today, Basingstoke’s MP, Maria Miller has welcome community testing scheme for Hampshire residents who are asymptomatic and are going out to work will start across the county this week.
The six-week scheme aimed at those without symptoms of coronavirus who are regularly leaving home to go to work, and who are not covered by an existing workplace testing scheme, will roll out over the next few days.
Maria said “I welcome this important step by Hampshire County Council, to protect the health of residents and I would urge everyone who has to leave home for work to come forward for regular testing to protect themselves, their loved ones and our communities.
Around one in three people with COVID-19 display no symptoms and could be spreading the virus without knowing. Community testing will help prevent transmission and break chains of infection, by identifying more cases quickly and ensuring that people are supported to self-isolate.”
People who are working from home or shielding should not attend a community testing site. Anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste - should book a test online or call 119.
A total of 11 appointment-only community testing sites will become operational this week. Residents should check their district council website for launch dates and opening hours.
The confirmed locations are:
- Basingstoke & Deane – former South Ham Library
- East Hants – Alton Sports Centre
- Eastleigh – The Point
- Fareham – Fareham College
- Gosport – Thorngate Hall Community Centre
- Hart – Hart District Council Offices
- Havant – Havant Library
- New Forest – Totton Health & Leisure Centre
- Rushmoor – Farnborough Leisure Centre
- Test Valley – Picket Twenty Sports Ground
- Winchester – Winchester Discovery Centre
How asymptomatic testing works
Tests can be booked online 24 hours in advance through any district website or on the County Council websiteand appointments should take no more than 30 minutes. Anyone who cannot book online should contact their district council, who will be able to book a test on your behalf.
You will be asked not to eat anything for 30 minutes prior to your test.
You will take a lateral flow test, which involves a self-administered swab of the nose and throat, under the guidance of trained staff.
Results will be confirmed after leaving the testing site by text message sent direct to your mobile (or to a nominated mobile phone belonging to a family member or friend, if you do not have your own).
You will be able to book two tests per week between three and five days after your first test throughout the six-week programme.
Anyone receiving a positive test result will need to follow self-isolation guidance, but will not need to book a follow-up test.
For more information about testing without symptoms and to book an appointment at a community testing site, visit the County Council’s website.
