Coronavirus: Where can I get a fast test in Colchester?

It will offer Lateral Flow Tests in a bid to drive down the infection rate in the borough.

This centre has been established in response to the current infection rate in the borough which has reached 880.3 per 100,000 people.

Here is what you need to know.

When and where is it opening?

The centre will open today (Saturday, January 16) and is located at Colchester Leisure World in Cowdray Avenue.

The site is the latest testing centre to open in Essex.

These centres are among the first of their kind in the region, offering Lateral Flow Tests to the wider population.

Who can have a test?

The tests are only for people who do not have symptoms and give results in around 30 minutes.

Tests are by appointment only and bookings should be made online where possible.

Anyone booking should live in the Colchester borough.

This is not a testing centre for people who have symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms should book a test via the NHS Test and Trace App, or online here: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Why should I get tested?

You may be unaware you have coronavirus if you are showing no symptoms.

This means you could, unknowingly, be passing it on to family, friends and loved ones.

Essex County Council says the more of us that get tested, the quicker we can stop the spread.

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How can I book a test?

Tests can be booked online here https://www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19/if-you-dont-have-symptoms

Residents can also book by calling 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 them to arrange an appointment.

Why has the testing centre been opened?

Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex’s Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Infection rates in Colchester continue to rise and local NHS services there are coming under significant strain as a result of the new variant of Covid-19.

"A ‘critical incident’ has been declared across the county, with critical care and bed capacity rising as well as high staff sickness and self-isolation levels.

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“This additional testing centre will allow us to test even more people in the worst affected areas where we continue to see worryingly high rates.

"Thousands of people have already been tested at the fast testing centres we have opened.

“Testing people who feel well will help to 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."