Health chief's call to still have virus test

People in Sunderland are being reminded about the importance of testing in the fight against the Covid-19 virus.

In her weekly video to residents, Gerry Taylor, Sunderland City Council's executive director of public health, said Covid is still circulating in the community and testing is vital in the fight against this virus.

She said: "There are two types, an ‘LFD’ or self test’ is the one you should use if you haven’t got any symptoms. These tests are important because one in three people have Covid but feel fine.

"You can pick them up in places like pharmacies or your children may bring them home from school, you can even get them delivered to you. You can also book an assisted test at one of our local assisted test sites first at www.sunderland.gov.uk/ symptomfreetest.

"The second type is a PCR test for people who have symptoms such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell. To book a PCR Test, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

"If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, or if your self-test is positive, it is very important that you self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.

"It’s really important that you do not leave your home for any reason.”

You will be advised what you need to do once you get your results and if you need help to isolate we have advice on our website: www. sunderland.gov.uk/selfisolation or call: 0800 234 6084. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Uow9uAmdA8A