By KLTV Newsdesk –
Over the next few days, a number of mobile collection points will be set up across Kirklees for people to get COVID-19 home testing kits.
This is the second such scheme in as many weeks, following last weeks pilot test.
The collection points will be popping up in a number of areas across the borough, including Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, Batley and Sheepridge, Huddersfield over the next few days.
In a national effort to reduce infection rates, twice-weekly asymptomatic Covid-19 testing is currently available for everyone in England.
The collection points will be primarily aimed at those who may be having difficulty accessing the home testing kit by other means.
Kirklees Council says the scheme is just a pilot for now in order to ‘better understand the demand for this type of service’, hence why the collection points will only be available for one day.
The collection points will be in the following locations: Dewsbury, Batley, Ravensthorpe and Sheepridge in Huddersfield. The first collection point will appear in Ravensthorpe from tomorrow morning (April 23) and will run once a day at each location until April 26.
The full list of dates and times can be viewed in the table below.
How to collect
Anyone over 18 can collect two packs of home testing kits which contain one week’s worth of tests – the times, dates and locations are in the below table. There is no requirement to book in advance.
The council says staff will be on hand to show people to use the tests should they need help. The ability to take a test on-site will also be available.
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “In addition to getting vaccinated and always remembering hands, face, space, another great way you can help reduce the spread of Covid-19 in your community is getting a rapid lateral flow test twice a week if you are not showing any symptoms.
“Asymptomatic testing helps us identify people who are infectious and could spread the infection to others unknowingly.
“This is particularly important with restrictions now starting to ease and it now being much more likely to come into contact with people from other households.
“We’re piloting these mobile collection points to make it even easier for people to take up the offer of getting tested twice a week.”
Mobile collection site timetable
Date | time | Area | Location | Address |
Friday 23 April | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Closed for lunch
1pm-5pm |
Ravenshorpe | Retail Park | Ravensthorpe Shopping Park, Huddersfield Road, WF13 3JR |
Saturday 24 April | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Closed for lunch
1pm-5pm |
Dewsbury | Sainsburys | WF12 8EB |
Sunday 25 April | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Closed for lunch
1pm-5pm |
Batley | Wards hill Car Park | 26 Wellington St, Batley WF17 5HZ |
Monday 26 April | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Closed for lunch
1pm-5pm |
Sheepridge, Huddersfield | Chestnut Centre | HD2 1HJ |
Alternative Methods
Beyond the pilot scheme, there are multiple ways to obtain a lateral flow test.
Local testing sites such as the Hudawi Centre will still be offering tests available to pick during their regular hours.
Your workplace may offer rapid lateral flow testing to you. Contact your employer to find out more.
Participating Pharmacies are also offering test kits for collection.
Tests can also be ordered online, however, this is a limited service and is aimed at those who are unable to get a test from the other methods because they are shielding for example.
Why taking a test without symptoms helps reduce the spread of coronavirus:
- If you test positive, you help to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 in your household, support bubble and community.
- The test identifies and supports infectious people to isolate themselves before they develop symptoms.
- Testing helps with the management and containment of COVID-19 outbreaks.
- Testing protects those most vulnerable to the impacts and consequences of COVID-19.
However, if you do have symptoms, you can book a test here.