'Go for the flow to keep Covid rates low', says Devon's public health director

Devon's Director of Public Health is urging all adults to include regular rapid lateral flow testing for Covid in their weekly routine.

Devon County Council has mobile vans that move around the county offering testing to people without symptoms.

The service is available for anyone 18 and over who does not have access to workplace testing.

The council is offering two tests per week in line with the government recommendations. In the Sidmouth area, there isn't a mobile testing unit, but home testing kits can be picked up from local pharmacies.

Information on mobile units and pharmacies providing tests can be found here.

If you're unable to get to a testing site, you can also order lateral flow test kits online or by calling 119, free of charge. If you do test positive, it's important not to panic. Make sure you and anyone you live with self-isolates immediately, and book a follow-up NHS PCR test to confirm the result. You can do this online or by calling 119.

Devon's Director of Public Health, Steve Brown, said: "Case rates throughout Devon remain low, but with restrictions lifting and socialising returning, now is the time to remain vigilant.

"If we can all participate in regular tests as a part of our routine – like taking the bins out, or popping to the shop – then I'm optimistic about a better summer and a brighter future for us all. "