'Take home' Covid tests available for Harlow residents

Anyone without symptoms can pick up a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing kit from the Griffin Suite, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way.

Residents do not need to book an appointment they can just turn up within the opening hours. Residents will need to collect the test, take the test at home and return the test back to the centre.

Travelling to get a test is an essential journey.

The site is open to pick up and drop off tests between 9am and 5pm Monday to Wednesday, and for dropping completed tests off only between 9am to 12noon on Thursdays.

Cllr Mark Ingall, leader of Harlow Council and Cllr Andrew Johnson, leader of the opposition, said: “These free testing kits are all part of a new community testing regime in Harlow where residents with no symptoms can get a test and play their part in protecting the NHS and saving lives. These tests are one of a number of testing options available to residents and these tests are also open to anyone who works in our town.

"Around one in three people have coronavirus without symptoms so could be spreading the virus without knowing, so this testing is designed to find those people and make sure they self-isolate. It is in everybody’s interest to take a test and follow the lockdown rules as this is the only way to bring down infection rates.”

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