By KLTV Newsdesk –
Free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing is now available to everyone in Kirklees and nationally from today (Sunday, April 11).
The new system is called rapid lateral flow testing, and it aims to identify people who may be asymptomatic.
This refers to someone who doesn’t have COVID-19 symptoms themselves but can still infect others unknowingly through regular transmission. The government says the main aim of this scheme is to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community.
The tests are free and available to everyone over the age of 18 who does not currently have COVID-19 symptoms.
There are many benefits to taking a test, however, it is not mandatory to take one.
Taking a test helps reduce the spread of the virus in your community, however, it is not mandatory to have a test.
Regular testing can help identify and support infectious people to isolate before they develop symptoms, and further break the chain of transmission.
It can also help those most vulnerable to infection, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions.
How to get a test
There are several ways to get a test.
Employee Testing
Employers may already be offering regular testing. If so employees should contact their employer to find out more.
Collection Sites
Tests can be collected from designated collection sites, where you can also get a supervised test if you’re testing for the first time.
There are currently four collection sites in Kirklees:
- The Hudawi Centre – Huddersfield
- Greenwood Centre – Ravensthorpe
- Dewsbury Customer Service Centre – Dewsbury
- Batley Library – Batley
Live updates on opening and wait times can be found here.
All testing at these sites is assisted, giving people the options to test themselves under the supervision of a trained operator. This can help make sure people know how to accurately take the tests at home.
All centres are walk in and there is no need to book. Two packs of home test kits will be available to collect each pack contains seven tests.
Pharmacy Collection
Alternatively, tests can also be collected from participating pharmacies in the Kirklees area.
Residents nearest collection point can be found using the NHS test-and-trace website here.
Home Delivery
For those who cannot get tested through their workplace of other means, home delivery of tests is now available.
The packs are identical to the ones that can be collected, containing seven tests. A maximum of one pack can be ordered each day.
Home delivery should not be used if you are able to access any other means of testing as outlined above. This helps free up home delivery for those who need it the most.
Test kits can be ordered from the gov.uk website here.
What the testing involves
Once you have received your test kit, you will be asked to take a test twice a week, at least 3-4 days apart.
Once a test is taken, you’ll be advised to report every result to NHS Test and Trace on the same day you take the test.
Details on how and reporting a test can be done here.
To test yourself, you will take a throat and nose swab sample, then, the provided Lateral Flow Device (LFD) will be able to determine whether or not you have the virus.
A coloured stripe on the LFD will appear if there is a positive result.
Results
A positive result means you should self-isolate for the next full 10 days immediately as is required by law.
A negative result means you should continue to follow any and all rules regarding the current level of restrictions, and continue to practice prevention and health advice.
For further information including all the relevant links, visit Kirklees Council’s COVID-19 website.