Surge testing in two areas of Chester amid ‘alarming’ rise in Covid rate – The Chester Standard

PEOPLE who live or work in two Chester postcode areas are being urged to book a Covid-19 test in response to the rise in positive cases of the Delta Covid variant in the area.

The latest seven-day incidence rate in the borough from June 7-13 showed an increase to 117 positive cases per 100,000. A few weeks ago, the infection had dropped as low as five, thanks to a combination of lockdown and the vaccination roll-out.

But lockdown measures easing, combined with the emergency of the more transmissible Delta variant, have caused concern.

Surge testing will now be taking place in Chester postcodes CH1 3 and CH 1 4, where the infection rates are significantly higher than the borough average.

Residents living or working in postal codes CH1 3 and CH1 4 are strongly encouraged to take a PCR test, whether or not they are showing symptoms and regardless of whether they have had the Covid-19 vaccine.

Residents who have had a positive PCR test in the last 90 days do not need to take another PCR test at this time.

Although residents without symptoms should still be testing twice weekly with rapid Lateral Flow Tests (LFT), PCR tests have a higher accuracy rate. Positive results are sent to specialist laboratories to help identify COVID-19 cases with a Variant of Concern (VOC) and then prevent their spread.

To book a test, visit: http://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call: 119.

Appointments are available at the nearest Local Testing Sites at Little Roodee car park and Sealand Road Park and Ride.

Tests are also available without an appointment at Chester Cathedral, however there may be a long wait. The counciltherefore encourages people to book a test at the above sites.

Residents are also reminded of the importance of undertaking LFTs twice weekly and are being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.

Home testing LFT kits can be picked up at Little Roodee Testing Centre, Sealand Road Park and Ride Testing Centre and at the Cathedral, as well as at participating pharmacies. You can also order them by post at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or by calling 119.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: The surge in cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is alarming, but we can control it by observing the hands, space, face and fresh air rules, minimising our travel, getting the vaccine as soon as we can and by testing.

Please book in for a PCR test if you live in the CH1 3 or CH1 4 postcode area, whether you have symptoms or not. And take care to protect yourself and others.

Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, including a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change in their sense of taste or smell should self-isolate and book a free test at http://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.

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Surge testing in two areas of Chester amid 'alarming' rise in Covid rate - The Chester Standard