#TestAndGo to keep everyone safe this winter

Residents are being reminded to use lateral flow tests to help keep Blackburn with Darwen’s Covid case rates under control this winter.

The message being shared on bus shelters, digital screens and across social media is to #TestAndGo before mixing with people indoors, to help safeguard others from catching Covid at this busy time of year.

Lateral flow / rapid tests can help to identify anyone who has Coronavirus but isn’t showing any symptoms.

Public health advice is to use these tests regularly, particularly before going to busy and crowded places, or meeting up with people who are clinically vulnerable.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Director of Public Health, Prof Dominic Harrison, said:

Regular testing is still a very important part of our defence against Covid.

Blackburn with Darwen is still in a good position with Covid case rates below the England and North West averages. We all want to keep it that way to avoid any new restrictions that might take away the freedoms we have been able to enjoy since summer.

But winter is a tricky time – we spend more of our time indoors, germs and viruses spread when there’s less ventilation from open windows, and Christmas in particular is a time of gatherings and parties, and to meet up with extended family.

We want to remind everyone to use a rapid test before you go out – to a pantomime, to visit a relative, to get your shopping done, or to go on your works Christmas party – to be sure that you don’t have the virus before mixing with others.

Nasal swab tests are the most common type of rapid tests for Covid currently available in Blackburn with Darwen.

They show a result in just 15 minutes – making it easy for us all to #TestAndGo!

You can pick up testing kits to use at home from community collection points, community centres and libraries across the borough – visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/get-a-test to see the list.

You can also pick up rapid testing kits from pharmacies – make sure you register on gov.uk first to get a collect code to take with you.

And you can also order rapid testing kits to be delivered to your home on the gov.uk website.

You can also take a test in person, with help from a trained member of staff, at:

• Community Help Hub in The Mall (opposite M&S), Blackburn: 8am-4pm Monday to Friday
• The Works, Railway Road, Darwen: 8am-4pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday

(Note – these sites are closed on weekends, and on Mon 27 & Tues 28 December and on Mon 3 January.

Watch this video in which Dr Helen Lawal explains how to take a nasal swab lateral flow test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk3LLAD7ybk