Libraries in March and Wisbech to stock Covid-19 rapid testing kits

Residents will soon be able to collect free rapid Covid testing kits from libraries.

From Monday, home testing kits will be available from March and Wisbech libraries as part of a four-week trial.

The move comes as part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s commitment to reducing the spread of Covid and ensuring that preventative measures, such as rapid testing, are readily available to members of the public.

Covid rates in Cambridgeshire are continuing to rise sharply and remain above the regional and national averages.

To collect a home testing kit simply visit one of the libraries from Monday onwards.

Jyoti Atri, director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire, said: “We are extremely concerned by the high rates of Covid-19 in Cambridgeshire and will continue to work with partners to help reduce the virus spread. As part of this, we are keen that rapid testing remains easily available to residents, which this trial will help to ensure.

“Rapid testing is quick, free and easy. You can do it in the comfort of your own home and get a result within half an hour.

"With local virus rates being so high we recommend everyone takes a rapid test regularly, but especially those who are returning to offices, or mixing more with people indoors and parents of school children. If you do test positive and need to self-isolate, there is plenty of support available.”

Coun Tom Sanderson, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s communities, social mobility and inclusion committee, said: “Throughout the pandemic our libraries have played a key role in helping communities across the county.

"We’re delighted to be taking part in this four-week trial and if it proves successful, we may look to offer home testing kits in our libraries on a longer-term basis.”

As well as getting home testing kits from libraries, residents can also order these online or from sites across the county. Find out more at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting