Everyone in Hull aged 16 and over can now have free routine Coronavirus tests. The rapid-result tests are for people who do not have any symptoms of the virus and can be done at home or a community test centre. They pick up cases of Coronavirus in people who have the virus but do not get ill – thought to be around one in three of us. Known as ‘asymptomatic testing’, it prevents people unknowingly spreading the virus through communities and workplaces.
Testing people without symptoms has already been happening in the city for some time, but until now it has only been for those with a higher risk of catching Coronavirus. The rollout of the project means there are no longer any restrictions on who can use this kind of testing. Everyone over 16 can be tested as needed.
There are test centres where you can book an appointment and someone will help you carry out the test. These are based at:
- Woodford Leisure Centre, Holderness Road
- Ennerdale Leisure Centre, Sutton Road
- Endeavour Learning Centre, Beverley Rd.
You can also collect tests and do them yourself at home. You can collect from these locations:
- The Wilson Centre
- Bransholme Health Centre
- Orchard Centre
Tim Fielding, Deputy Director of Public Health at Hull city Council, said: “I would urge anyone who would benefit from this kind of testing to either order a pack to collect or book an appointment for an assisted test now.
“This week we hit a key date on the government’s plan to emerge from lockdown. We’re all allowed to do more now and this kind of testing will help stop Coronavirus spreading through our communities. A person could appear completely well but be carrying the virus but someone who catches it from them could become really poorly.
“The vaccination programme is going fantastically and it is reassuring that so many vulnerable people in the city are now protected. Many of us remain unprotected, however, and it’s impossible to know how ill we will be if we catch it. Testing reduces the risk for everyone.
“Tests are free and you get results in as little as 30 minutes, via text or an email. If you test positive, you and those you live with must immediately isolate, which means staying at home and not even leaving to go to the shop, go for a walk unless in your garden, or collect a prescription. There is financial and wellbeing support available to help you isolate if needed”.
If you have a temperature, cough that doesn’t stop, or food tastes or smells different or of nothing, you may have Coronavirus. You must not use an asymptomatic test. If you have any one of these symptoms, you and your household must immediately isolate and you must book a test via the government website: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
People and businesses can book appointments on the council’s website now: https://hullbooking.sishost.co.uk/onlinebookings/appointment.html
Or, order tests to collect and do at home here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.
Find out about financial support here: http://www.hull.gov.uk/benefits-support-and-welfare-advice/welfare-advice/covid-19-support-payments
