Published Thursday 21 January 2021 at 13:45
2325 people have so far accessed rapid coronavirus tests at the borough’s two SMART testing hubs since they launched, Blackburn with Darwen Council has announced.
Testing at the hubs is targeted at all residents without symptoms who have to leave home to work during the lockdown. Following the Government’s instruction, these groups have been told to get tested at least once a week to stop the spread of the virus.
The hubs are located at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park (11am-6.30pm) and King George’s Hall in Blackburn (10am-5.30pm)
Of the 2,325 tests, 1,208 were done at Ewood, whilst 1,317 people were tested at King George’s Hall.
74 showed a positive result across both sites.
The rapid tests are aimed at finding people who may have no symptoms but are infectious. Also known as a Lateral Flow Test, the results can be given in around thirty minutes, as they don’t need to go to a laboratory for testing.
Pre-booking isn’t required at either site, visitors can walk in and give a mobile number or email address to register.
Those living in the Ewood, Blackburn South and Lower Darwen and Town Centre areas are especially encouraged to attend as infection rates are particularly high there.
Together with the vaccination roll-out, increased testing is a ‘key weapon’ in the battle against the virus.
For more information and a list of FAQs go to: https://bit.ly/2Xzxaur
Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
I’m pleased to see so many people have accessed tests at the two SMART testing hubs already. It’s clear this approach gives easy access to those having to leave the home for work as well as those living in the targeted areas with high levels of infection. My thanks to all the staff on the ground too, who are skilfully and helpfully making sure everything goes smoothly.
One in three people with coronavirus do not have any symptoms and so can pass on the virus without knowing it, so I’d encourage even more people from the target groups to utilise these hubs, get tested and help us break the chain of transmission.