Covid-19 No Symptoms Testing in Halton: Let’s keep going!

In December last year, Halton Borough Council, with the other authorities across the Liverpool City Region, were one of the first in the country to open Covid-19 ‘no symptoms’ community test centres.

Given that 1 in 3 people who have Coronavirus display no symptoms, are often unaware they have it and are potentially spreading it to others, being able to get free, quick and reliable lateral flow tests was, and continues to be a vital tool in helping to protect family, friends and the whole community from the disease.

Since the doors of the community ‘no symptoms’ test centres opened at Grangeway Community Centre and Ditton Community Centre on 14 December 2020, around 65,000 tests have been carried out at the sites, identifying over 1,000 positive cases and helping to reduce the number of people becoming seriously ill and needing hospital treatment.

Dr Ifeoma Onyia, Interim Director of Public Health said, “I would like to say a big thank you to the people of Halton for their brilliant response to our ‘Let’s Get Tested’ call during the last year. Almost certainly, testing has helped to save many people from becoming seriously ill or losing their lives to Covid-19 in our area.”

Much has changed over the last year, with regular testing now part of the every-day routine for going to work or school and ahead of events, meeting up with friends and family and travel.

Home test kits are now widely available at all of our local pharmacies, from our mobile public health team, who regularly visit shopping centres and other community venues, as well as to order online for home delivery (see details below).

With people now choosing to do tests in the convenience of their own home, the numbers attending community test sites has dropped significantly in recent months. Therefore the Council has taken the decision to close its community Covid-19 ‘no symptoms’ test centres at Ditton and Grangeway with effect from Monday 22 November.

With testing still one of the best tools for tackling Covid-19, Dr Onyia is encouraging everyone in Halton to keep going saying: “I’ve got into a regular habit of doing a lateral flow test at home, at least twice a week and always before I’m going out with friends and family that I’ve not seen in a while. Its gives me the confidence that I’m not putting them at risk. I’d encourage you to do the same, please do keep doing your lateral flow tests at home, work or school and before attending gatherings or events particularly as we head towards Christmas. Other things that can keep us safe and protect others are regular hand washing, wearing face coverings in crowded areas and getting your Covid-19 vaccinations when eligible. It all helps us to be kind to others and keep each other safe this winter.”

Free ‘no symptoms’ lateral flow (antigen) home test kits are widely available in Halton at:
1. Local pharmacies – please see a list of participating venues here.
2. Order test kits for home delivery. Order home test kits here. Kits are delivered to your home by Royal Mail, usually within 1-2 days.
3. School or work – some schools and employers offer tests for pupils/staff
4. Public Health Bus in shopping areas/communities as below – our friendly team can give you free home test kits and answer any questions. The team can also help you to book a Covid-19 vaccination.

Public health bus schedule:

Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test at one of the local NHS test sites. Please see more information here www.halton.gov.uk/covidtesting To book a Covid-19 jab – please see more information here – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or call 119. Please contact COVIDtesting@halton.gov.uk or telephone 0151 511 5200 if you have any queries, feedback or you require further information.