New ‘FAST’ tests roll out to find coronavirus cases
A NEW testing scheme for frontline workers has been announced by the council, targeted at those who are asymptomatic.
The new Find And Stop Transmission (FAST) tests are being rolled out across Rochdale and aim to identify those who unknowingly have the virus as they show no symptoms.
From Monday, anyone who cannot work from home or comes into regular contact with the public is encouraged to take the new test.
FAST tests are lateralflow tests and should only be used by those who are not displaying symptoms.
Tests are free and there is no need to book and are available at one of five sites across the borough: Rochdale - Nye Bevan House Heywood Heywood Sports Village (both a walk in site and a drive through site) Middleton - Bowlee Sports Centre Pennines location and opening date to be confirmed shortly Andrea Fallon, director of public health at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We cannot get away from the fact that one in three people who have Covid-19 show no symptoms.
“This means that those people who cannot work from home and are more in contact with the public could unknowingly pass the virus on, with devastating consequences.
“The whole borough has given up so much and supported us all throughout these hard times. Now, more than ever, we need to pull together and get tested; not just for ourselves, but for each other.”
All sites are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm at weekends, and residents are encouraged to get tested every week to provide greater protection to themselves and others.
There will also be roving test centres going out into the community and workplaces to reach people directly, especially where there are high transmission rates.
Councillor Daalat Ali, cabinet member for healthy lives, said: “I’m delighted to see the speed in which we’ve got this testing available to our residents.
“A key way we will fight the spread is if we all come together, get tested weekly and follow the guidelines in place.
“It’s so important that our frontline workers take this up.
“They’ve done so much for the borough; this testing service is for them and to help protect them.”
The army will initially help with the running of the sites, supporting with directions, car park management, and explaining next steps.
Taking no longer than a few minutes, and similar to a normal Covid test, residents will be guided to a booth to complete the test and should wear a face covering at all times except when the test is taking place.
Results are given via text or email half an hour after the test and if the test is positive residents will need to self-isolate and take a test for those with symptoms at one of our Covid-19 test centres.
If that also comes back positive they will need to remain isolating for 10 days from the date of the FAST test.
Councillor Ali, continued: “The support of everyone helping to get this off the ground is greatly appreciated. I know our residents will show their appreciation by turning up and getting tested regularly.”