Community testing sites across the Island will be distributing free coronavirus (COVID-19) home testing kits to anyone aged 16 and over from Monday (29th March).
With some restrictions set to be lifted from Monday, allowing 2 households and up to 6 people to reunite outdoors at a safe distance, regular home testing offers some comfort we are not putting friends and family at risk.
About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still pass it on to others.
Simon Bryant, the council’s director of public health, said:
“All our small actions can make a big difference as we come out of lockdown.
“Tests are now available for everyone without COVID-19 symptoms.
“Whether you’re getting ready for the start of the tourism season, opening up your shop for the first time since January or you’ve been vaccinated and are looking forward to meeting your family outside, pick up your test kits and get tested.
“Give yourself peace of mind and help keep our Island safe.”
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Tests can be picked up from any of the council’s community testing sites in Ryde, Sandown, Newport, Yarmouth and Cowes, or from the Newclose County Cricket Ground testing site. For more information, including opening times, visit https://keeptheislandsafe.org/communitytesting.
Secondary school pupils are given test kits by their school. Primary school pupils are not being asked to get tested. People can continue to take a test at a community testing site if they prefer.
John Metcalfe, the council’s chief executive, added:
“Regular testing of everyone offers another helpful tool to defeat the virus.
“Testing is vital as it helps us to identify, track down and control any remaining pockets of the virus and prevent it spreading into the wider community.
“So I would urge anyone that is out and about to take these tests twice weekly and so protect your family, friends and the community.
“Even if you have already had your first vaccination, please do go for regular testing as it is still not clear whether you can carry the virus and transmit it to others.”
People with any symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate and book a test at Newclose County Cricket Ground by calling 119 or via the government website.
And for the folk who can’t pick up and have no help???
I am sure they are quite capable of arranging it themselves – do not recall anyone in this country left shackled to their home without any human interaction or access to a phone.
Actually “Isle of Wighter” Liz is correct. There isn’t an option for a disabled person or old aged person to phone for a kit to be posted to them on this scheme. You have to physically go there!
So considering there is a huge amount of OAP’s and disabled persons on this Island who simply can not walk, drive etc this scheme certainly won’t be as effective as it could be by a long way!
Actually idiot I don’t drive and have no help! Speak when uv summit worth reading yea
get the bus eh liz instead of insulting people and expecting them to do everything for you, whilst you sit in your chair criticising.
I can’t .I’m unable too use as disabled.just get an option too post one out thats it.too many judgemental folk on here who dont know full story.if j could drive or even walk well I would go!
How much will this cost? who will pay for it and is it worth it?
Some explanation if you please John Metcalfe.
You have already increased our council tax quite ernough.
in the title it says free BUT nothing is free there will be a catch most likely next years budget day
whats best money or people’s health
my money is mine, not others – i work to support myself, not every freeloader going.
It costs the tax payer £25 per kit! So , someone is making a lot of money from all this hype! I mean, the infection rate is below half of 1! And we are still locked down? Yeah, of course this is all about a virus!?
Waste of time. A test is only any good the moment you take it.
Keep social distancing folks.
Just more state propaganda to keep the fear going.