Swab test centres open to everyone as

LATERAL flow test centres across Leicestershire are being opened up to all residents next week as lockdown restrictions start to ease across the country.

This means anyone living or working in the county without coronavirus symptoms can take a quick swab test at one of seven community test centres.

The move is one of a number of measures being taken by Leicestershire County Council to help stem the spread of the virus as rules relax.

The council is also making home test kits available to anyone in regular contact with school-age children.

These kits can be collected from the community test centres.

Mike Sandys, the council’s director of public health, said: “Rates in Leicestershire are now at their lowest since late last summer.

“We’re seeing odd spikes in a couple of places but overall it’s a good picture and I want to thank people for heeding the advice.

“Starting to open up is the trickiest point. Sadly, we’re not quite out of the woods yet and although the vaccine is rolling out and people are craving normality, if we go too fast too soon we’re likely to see more cases.”

The advice to stay cautious comes ahead of March 29, when people will be able to meet outside in groups of up to six, or two households in parks or private gardens.

Mr Sandys, pictured, said:

“Spring has sprung and I suspect our parks will be popular so I’d urge people to keep on using their common sense and stay safe.

“This is especially important if you’re going into someone’s garden. You might be tempted to pop inside – but remember the virus is spreading much more easily indoors. It’s so important to protect yourself and your loved ones. Testing is important but it doesn’t give you a free pass, you must still follow the guidance.

“It only takes 10 minutes to have a swab test at one of our centres and, by opening up our test centres to everyone, we’re helping people to lead more normal lives as well as breaking the chains of infection.”