Rapid tests for those who want to meet a pal

A free test which can tell if someone has Covid within the hour is now being offered to people planning to meet up with one friend or a member of their family.

Durham County Council’s rapid Lateral Flow Device (LFD) community testing programme offers rapid Covid-19 tests for people without symptoms.

It is open to those who cannot work from home or a workplace which does not offer tests, a carer for a vulnerable person or if someone is in a childcare bubble and is unable to access the tests run by places of education.

The council has also said it is now open to those who want to leave home for recreation or exercise outdoors and meet up with someone from another household.

It says the results will he shared within an hour via a text or email from NHS Test and Trace, with places to be booked in advance.

The council said: “One in three people with Covid-19 do not show symptoms.

"LFD testing can help us to identify positive cases we would otherwise miss due to a person not showing symptoms.

"Identifying infectious individuals early, and those they have been in close contact with, and then isolating them can significantly reduce transmission of the virus .”

It suggested the tests are taken twice a week, with testing slots available between 7.15am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday and centres include East Durham College in Peterlee and Meadowfield near Durham.

Testing can be booked via http://www.durham.gov. uk/CovidLFT or by ringing County Durham Together Community Hub on 03000 260 260.