Coronavirus latest: 'Get tested twice a week' urges Luton public health chief

Director of public health Lucy Hubber is strongly recommending that families of primary school children should get a rapid test before children return to school and continue with regularly testing twice a week.

Ms Hubber said: “Luton continues to be in the top 20 of areas with the highest infection rates so I can’t stress enough how vital it is for as many people as possible to get tested so that we can reduce the spread of the virus.

“With up to one in three people with Covid-19 having no symptoms, they may feel fine but could be a silent spreader, and unknowingly pass the virus on to family members or others when at work, caring for loved ones or when doing their essential shopping.”

Luton has three ‘walk-in’ rapid testing centres which are open 8am - 8pm, seven days a week:

> Lewsey Community Centre, Landrace Road, LU4 0SW

> Farley Community Centre, Delphine Close, LU1 5RE

> Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG

There is no need to book and the centres have social distancing in place at all times. It takes less than 15 minutes to self-administer the test and results will be sent within 45 minutes by text or email.

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for health, said: “With the vaccine rollout taking place, people may become complacent and believe they can let their guard down but that is not the case.

"The battle is not over, and regularly testing remains one of the best weapons against the disease as it enables people to self-isolate and break the transmission of the virus which can be deadly for many people.

“If you have to leave home, make rapid testing part of your twice weekly routine. You must also continue with the protective measures of washing hands frequently, maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings.

"Let’s work together to protect our families, friends and the community and save lives.”

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend a rapid test centre. They should book a standard Covid-19 test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.