Two new Covid testing sites to open in the Five Towns to support critical workers - but only for people without symptoms

The lateral flow test sites, which offer results in less than 15 minutes, are on offer to critical workers who are unable to work from home and are not presenting with Covid symptoms.

It is hoped that offering frequent testing to essential workers will help to identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus who may be spreading the infection to others unknowingly.

Following the successful opening of a community lateral flow test site in Wakefield earlier this month, a second site will open at Holywell Lane Centre, Castleford on Tuesday, February 23.

A third site will open at Kinsley and Fitzwilliam Community Centre, Kinsley, on Wednesday, February 24.

Cllr Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "We want to make sure testing is as accessible and convenient as possible for our critical workers who are providing essential services across our district. This will help to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the community.”

Access to all three sites will be by appointment only. To book an appointment at any of the Council’s lateral flow test sites, please visit: https://wakefieldlft.eventbrite.co.uk/. There is currently no option for telephone appointments.

Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) aims to identify people who don't have Covid-19 symptoms, but who are infectious and could spread the infection to others unknowingly.

While LFT is an important tool to help reduce transmission in the community, staying at home remains the best way to help prevent the spread of coronavirus during lockdown.

Residents should only book an appointment if they are a 'critical worker' or have to leave the house to go to work. Anyone who can work from home should continue to do so and will not need to access asymptomatic testing.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council's Director of Public Health, said: “Our critical workers can benefit from LFT as it rapidly identifies positive cases, and allows those tested to receive the support and care they need quickly. From the positive result, residents can act quickly to self-isolate and prevent passing the virus on to others.

"If you are displaying symptoms please book a PCR test. You will be allocated an appointment at the site closest to you, which may not be in the Wakefield area. Please make an appointment, even if your symptoms are mild."

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms is urged to act now and get a PCR test by visiting www.gov.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

For a full list of Covid testing sites and vaccination centres in the district, click here.