Over 100,000 rapid tests (lateral flow test) to support the fight against Covid-19 have now been provided across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. As of Monday 6 September, over 100,000 tests have been taken by people without any symptoms of Covid-19 at Community Testing sites to ensure they aren’t carrying the virus and potentially transmitting it to others.

Around one in three people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms, but can still pass it on, which is why rapid testing is such a vital tool in helping to identify cases of coronavirus we would otherwise not find. Even those people who have been vaccinated can still pass on the virus – it is vital to still take regular tests. Through the Community Testing Programme, people have benefited from easy access to tests at local testing centres and mobile units in neighbourhoods. The Programme has also given out nearly 60,000 home testing kits.

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire said: “Mansfield and other areas across the county are currently seeing high rates of transmission, in a wide range of settings, and affecting people of all ages. Asymptomatic testing plays a vital role in detecting these cases and breaking the chain of transmission. “I’m delighted we’ve reached the 100,000 mark with so many people in Nottinghamshire taking regular tests to protect their communities and loved ones. “Lateral flow tests are free, quick and easy to do and can be completed twice a week. Thank you to everyone who has already used these tests.

With rates in Nottinghamshire remaining at a high level, I encourage everyone to make twice weekly testing a part of their routine, even if they have already been vaccinated” Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “This milestone is a great achievement to everyone that has worked hard to set up and sustain a successful community testing programme across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. I would like to thank everyone who have taken up this offer and have used these tests to protect the people around them.

“It takes two minutes to take a free rapid Covid-19 test – a simple and quick swab from the back of the throat and nose. Results take only 30 minutes to show – these 30 minutes could protect your family and friends. “Now we are beginning to experience normal life again, testing is still an important tool in our efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 and continue to protect each other.” Group Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Macey, said: “As part of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we released 50 members of staff from their normal duties to support our partners. Out of those 50, we had six individuals working on Nottinghamshire’s Community Testing sites.
“Those six members of staff worked extremely hard behind the scenes turning libraries, leisure centres, pubs and even football grounds into testing facilities.

“Our staff trained volunteers into testing operatives who have gone on to test thousands of people around the county.
“The fact that the testing programme has gone on to test their 100,000th person today is fantastic and a great achievement.

“On behalf of everyone from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, we want to congratulate and thank everyone on this programme for their hard work throughout the tough months and for stepping up to this challenge. It has been fantastic to witness great teamwork and partnership working.” There are many sites across the city and county where you can take a test or pick up a box of home testing kits. For further information on opening times and how to order tests online is available on our community testing website page.

In addition, you can order home test kits for free online or collect them for free at local pharmacies. Please remember, if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have a positive rapid test, you must urgently take a PCR test, you can also take a PCR test if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive – you can simply book a test on the Government website or by calling 119.