From Wokingham Borough Council News Centre
Sindlesham Court will be home to Wokingham Borough’s third rapid testing centre from Tuesday 9 March. This will enable the council to administer even more tests to Berkshire residents who are regularly leaving their homes to go to work, or who are being offered testing for other reasons.
Rapid tests – otherwise known as lateral flow tests – are free for people who do not have any symptoms They only take a few minutes to do and can be processed within 45 minutes.
Who can get tested?
People leaving their homes for work can get tested at any of the council’s test centres; including Sindlesham Court, Shute End and the Microsoft Campus; depending on where is most convenient. No booking is required at Sindlesham Court and the other sites are also accepting walk-ins.
From 1 March 2021, if you’re a member of a household, childcare bubble or support bubble of a pupil or someone who works in a school, you can get a twice-weekly test at one of the council’s test centres.
Nominated visitors of residents in local care homes can also get tested. More information and details on opening hours can be found on its website.
Why it’s so important
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for adult social care and wellbeing said: “While infection rates are continuing to drop in the borough, we know that one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 will not show any symptoms and that’s very worrying. Especially with some restrictions starting to ease this month.
“This is why it’s imperative to conduct regular testing amongst people who are out in the community, and who could be spreading the virus without even realising.
“With the roadmap out of lockdown offering hope for many, individual case finding will become even more crucial over the coming months. We really do need people who meet the criteria to come in and get tested on a regular basis. That’s twice a week if you’re working full-time, or once a week if you work part-time.”
Positive feedback
The council has already received a whole host of positive feedback from keyworkers who have been attending the sites.
At the Microsoft Campus in particular, one visitor has commended the council’s “friendly but professional staff and great service”, and another thanked staff for their “kindness and patience in making sure him and his colleagues all received their first tests.”
Don’t spread the virus unknowingly
“No-one wants to be responsible for passing the virus onto their colleagues, customers, friends, families, or other community members” said Cllr Margetts. “But finding asymptomatic cases can help to keep everyone safe.”
As a reminder, you should not attend one of the council’s rapid test centres if you have coronavirus symptoms (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss or change to your sense of smell). If you have symptoms, book a test through the national website.
Visit the council’s website for more information.
