West Sussex County Times

Go with the flow to help halt COVID-19

We are all in this together and that includes everybody regularly taking a rapid COVID-19 test. Even if you do not have symptoms you could still have the virus and be spreading it unknowingl­y. It is quick, easy and free – this is why you should get into t

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YOU COULD have the virus and not know it – that is true of around one in three people who show no symptoms.

The only way to identify such cases is through rapid COVID-19 tests which we should all get into the habit of using.

With vaccines and social distancing, testing is one of the most vital ways of combating the spread of COVID-19.

Rapid COVID-19 tests are easy to use and give results in up to 30 minutes, so those who test positive can self-isolate immediatel­y and avoid passing the virus on to others.

GP Dr Amir Khan, said: “Remember, around one in three people who have coronaviru­s do not have any symptoms, but could be spreading it to other people without knowing.

“Rapid testing is effective at detecting people who are infectious and helping us find COVID-19 cases that we otherwise

would not know about, helping efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

Testing regularly, even when you do not have symptoms means we can keep infection levels low and our country safe.”

It is important to report your result online straight away, whether it is positive, negative or void.

It’s easy to do at gov.uk/reportcovi­d19-result or by calling 119.

Recording all results helps establish a better understand­ing of the spread of the virus across the country and it is anonymous.

Scientists use the informatio­n to spot patterns and outbreaks more quickly and accurately; helping reduce the risk of future lockdowns.

Get your free, rapid COVID-19 tests at nhs.uk/get-tested or call 119. Anyone who tests positive should self-isolate immediatel­y and visit nhs.uk/get-tested or call 119 to order a confirmato­ry PCR test.

Don’t forget you should continue to follow the Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air rules to further reduce the risk of transmissi­on.

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 ??  ?? ‘EFFECTIVE’: Dr Amir Khan says rapid testing helps detect those who are infectious.
‘EFFECTIVE’: Dr Amir Khan says rapid testing helps detect those who are infectious.

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