Mobile rapid testing units are hitting key locations in Wokingham Borough, as the council continues to expand its lateral flow testing programme.
The rapid testing units are being trialled in car parks of retail areas where there is currently a high footfall, including Aldi in Wokingham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Asda in Lower Earley on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Other sites will be added as the programme continues.
Testing will be available to staff members of the supermarkets, as well as customers visiting the stores and surrounding retail units that are open during lockdown.
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member of adult social care and wellbeing said: “We are continuing to work hard to keep our communities as safe as possible. Regular rapid testing is crucial for finding asymptomatic cases and helping to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the borough.
“While we are still in a national lockdown, many residents are leaving their homes to go to work, to do their weekly food shop, and to exercise. By placing our mobile units in key locations, we can target these individuals and encourage them to get a rapid test.”
The mobile units are an addition to the council’s test centres at its Shute End offices, Sindlesham Court and the Microsoft Campus in Thames Valley Park, which are currently being used to test people who cannot work from home, households and bubbles of nursery/school/college staff and local care home visitors.
“We must all play our part in protecting our loved ones, colleagues and neighbours”, said Cllr Margetts. “It only takes a few minutes to have a rapid test and your results are sent to you mobile within 45 minutes.”
Residents will not need to wait for their test result before they can enter the supermarket and/or surrounding retail units. However, anyone who tests positive will need to self-isolate immediately and stay at home for the full self-isolation period.
