Free rapid covid tests now available for everyone over 18 in Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire residents over 18 who don’t have symptoms of coronavirus are being urged to take advantage of free rapid Covid-19 tests - which are now available from community testing sites and local pharmacies.

Over 11,000 tests for people without Covid symptoms have been administered at rapid testing sites in Dunstable, Flitwick and Biggleswade while over 800 more people have collected home tests.

The test centres are at:

> Flitwick Leisure Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1TH. The testing centre at Flitwick is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 7pm. Parking is available at the centre;

> The Dunstable Centre, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4JD. The testing centre at Dunstable is open 7 days a week from 8am to 7pm. Parking is available at the Grove Park car park, in front of Go Bowling, and will be free while it is being used as a testing site;

> Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, Saxon Drive, Biggleswade, SG18 8SU. The test centre at Biggleswade will operate on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, from 8am to 7pm. Parking is available at the centre.

These test sites will be operating until the end of April 2021.

Local residents who don’t have symptoms can get a free, rapid test at any of the centres in Biggleswade, Dunstable and Flitwick, where they can also learn how to conduct a high-quality test at home and collect a home test kit.

Executive member for health and well-being, Cllr Tracey Stock, said: “Our community testing centres have carried out over 11,000 tests and found 41 people who were positive for Covid-19 despite having no symptoms.

"This means 41 local residents are now able to take action to protect themselves, their families and everyone around them, reducing the spread of infection.

“With around one in three people who have coronavirus showing no symptoms, regular rapid testing is vital for those individuals who have regular contact with people who are not part of their household or bubble.

“Regular testing will help identify more people who have COVID-19 and help to reduce the spread of the virus as they will know how to self-isolate."

To find out more, visit the council website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtests and www.NHS.UK/get-tested.