Mobile Covid testing units start touring Devon: here's the nearest to Sidmouth

Rapid lateral flow Covid-19 tests are being made available in locations across Devon as the county council rolls out its community testing service.

The nearest mobile testing unit to Sidmouth will be in Harbour Road, Seaton, and will be there on Wednesdays from 12.30 until 5pm, and Sundays from 8am until 11.30am.

There's no need to make an appointment – just turn up – and the results will be available within the hour.

Alternatively, you can collect a test kit from the unit to take home – staff at the units will be able to give guidance on how to carry out the tests.

All adults are being encouraged to take a rapid lateral flow test twice a week to make sure they're not carrying the coronavirus infection without showing symptoms.

Other ways to get your Covid-19 tests

Home test kits can be ordered from the NHS to be delivered to your home address, and they are also available from NHS testing locations and pharmacies that are part of the Pharmacy Collect scheme.

Home test kits can be collected from the Tesco supermarket in Seaton.

Some workplaces are offering testing to their employees either on-site or at home – and if you own a businesses with more than ten employees it is not too late to register.

Carers, personal assistants and front line social care staff can also order and collect testing kits at the same time as their PPE supplies.

Those who leave their home to work or volunteer and come into contact with people in the community, for instance carers and emergency service staff, are particularly encouraged to use the service.

Anyone who tests positive should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test via the NHS.

Full details about rapid lateral flow and PCR tests, where to have a test, how to order tests by post and how to register a business for workplace testing can be found here. There's also a map giving details of all the sites, including information on how busy they are, wheelchair access, etc.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: "I encourage all residents without symptoms to get tested twice a week. There are now many ways to access testing to suit your particular circumstances, either through home testing kits or mobile testing units.

"Testing is particularly important if you leave home to work or volunteer, or if you're a carer for instance.

"If you test positive, you'll be asked to self-isolate for ten days, and if you're negative, you can continue your day but must social distance, wear a face covering when indoors in a public space and wash your hands regularly."

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