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A new fast testing centre is up and running for Epping Forest district residents who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
The test centre is at Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois,CM16 7ER. It is the 5th of its kind to be set up in Essex.
Help us beat the spread of this dreadful virus
Epping Forest District Council Leader Chris Whitbread welcomed the new testing centre saying:
It’s great news that we have another resource in the district to help us beat the spread of this dreadful virus.
This centre has been set up in response to the current infection rate in the district – now reaching 1,321.9 per 100,000 (according to the latest available data, released on 7 January 2021).
The tests are quick to do, with results in around 30 minutes. The rate at which this new strain is spreading in our communities is frightening. Whereas in the first wave it seemed that we did not know many family, friends or colleagues who were infected, now there are dozens and some are very poorly indeed.
We MUST do all that we can to stop the spread and this includes the simple practices of wearing a mask, washing our hands and staying at least 2 metres apart.
Lateral flow test
Lateral flow tests (LFT) are by appointment for anyone living in the Epping Forest district who does not have any symptoms.
If you’re not able to book online you can call 0333 772 6144 to arrange an appointment. Lines are open from 8am to 8pm, every day including Saturday and Sunday.
You can also email booking.confirmation@nhs.net and a member of staff will contact you to arrange an appointment.
COVID ‘collect and drop off’ testing site
Another centre offering home-testing kits for people without symptoms who are going to work, rather than working from home is available at the Lindsey Street Community Association in Frampton Road, Epping, CM16 6RP.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are not conducted on site, They must be taken away and returned for despatch to the laboratory. Results are normally available within 24-48 hours.
Anyone WITH symptoms should book a test via the NHS Test and Trace App, or at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
NHS services under significant strain
Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex’s Director of Public Health and Wellbeing said:
Infection rates in Epping Forest are rising rapidly and local NHS services are coming under significant strain as a result of the new variant of COVID-19. A ‘critical incident’ was declared last week, with critical care and bed capacity rising as well as high staff sickness and self-isolation levels.
Testing people who feel well will help identify the hidden cases in the community – people who may be unwittingly infecting others.
If you test positive with one of the new fast tests, you will be asked to self-isolate, and take a further test to confirm the initial result.
Determined to do all we can
Cllr John Spence, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health at Essex County Council said:
We are absolutely determined to do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Essex, especially in the areas like Epping Forest where we are seeing cases continue to increase considerably as a result of the new variant.
More details about testing can be found at www.essex.gov.uk/coronavirus.
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