Rapid Covid-19 testing service to launch in Leighton Buzzard this Monday

Rapid Covid-19 testing will be available in Leighton Buzzard from Monday (April 19) at a new test and collect service from Central Bedfordshire Council.

The new service will provide testing kits and encourage residents to take a test on site first to ensure people are confident to use them at home.

Testing is free and there is no need to book an appointment, people can just turn up.

The new mobile test and collect minibus will be at Duncombe Drive car park from 12noon on Monday (April 19) and will then be open four days a week. Staff will be on hand to help people self-test, demonstrate how to do the tests at home and give away home testing kits. There will be help on hand for those who might need it.

The testing is free, easy and quick. With around one in three people who have coronavirus showing no symptoms, regular testing is vital to help identify more people who have the virus as early as possible and help to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Central Beds Council says it recommends getting tested twice a week, three to four days apart.

Local residents can collect up to two packs of seven tests from the new mobile testing centre in Leighton Buzzard or from its centres in Biggleswade, Dunstable and Flitwick. Alternatively they can visit participating pharmacies or order a pack of seven tests for home delivery from the UK government website.

The service is open to anyone living or working in or visiting Leighton Buzzard. People are being asked to bring a smartphone to register and be sent their results.

Duncombe Drive car park test site opening hours. are: Monday, April 19 (12noon -6pm); then every Tuesday (8am-5pm); Thursdays (9am-6pm); Fridays (8am-5pm); Mondays (9am-6pm).

Find a pharmacy where you can collect rapid tests at https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk. Order rapid lateral flow home test kits at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.

If you do tests at home, you'll need to report your results online or on the phone. Your pack will include details of how to do this and what to do next.

Find out more at https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/135/coronavirus/919/rapid_tests