Free rapid testing now available for anyone in Bedford without Covid symptoms

Rapid ‘no symptom’ testing is now available at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre, in Mile Road.

It's for anyone who lives or works in Bedford who is unable to work from home and is not able to access testing through their employer.

Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms, so they could be spreading the disease without knowing it.

Regular testing is important if you go into other people’s homes or come into contact with other people as part of your job - for example, retail cashiers, childminders, bus and taxi drivers and tradespeople like plumbers or electricians.

Testing is also available for pregnant women and their partners prior to attending key maternity appointments.

Cllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “We strongly urge those who are coming into contact with other people through their work to get tested twice a week, ideally three to four days apart. Getting one of these tests is the responsible thing to do and could stop you from unknowingly spreading the virus.”

The tests are free, there is no need to book an appointment and proof of eligibility is not required.

The self-administered test takes 10 minutes and the results are usually sent by text within the hour. A negative rapid test does not completely rule out infection, so it is important individuals and business continue to follow Covid-secure guidelines.

The new ‘no symptom’ rapid test site is at the John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre, Mile Road (MK42 9TS). Testing is available from 7am to noon, and from 1pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday.

The initiative is through a partnership between Bedford Borough Council and the Department of Health and Social Care.