Rapid symptom-free testing for parents and carers in Brighton and Hove

As efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19 continue, parents and carers of school and college age children are being encouraged to start regular twice-weekly covid testing from home.
Rapid Covid testingRapid Covid testing
Rapid Covid testing

The rapid testing kits are for people who don’t have symptoms. They were introduced as pupils returned to classrooms last Monday (March 8).

Up to one in three people with Covid-19 show no symptoms, which means that the virus can be spread unknowingly.

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Regular testing of asymptomatic people allows cases to be detected early and ensures those who have tested positive can self-isolate, helping to control the spread of the virus.

Secondary school and college students will also be tested twice a week, receiving three initial tests at school or college before moving to twice weekly home testing.

Schools and colleges will be proving test kits for their pupils but will not be expected to provide the test kits to families or administer the family testing process.

Primary school children are not being routinely tested but will continue to need to come forward for tests if they have symptoms.

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Alistair Hill, director of Public Health at Brighton & Hove City Council said: “By everyone playing their part and getting tested regularly public services, workplaces and educational settings can stay open and running, and we can move closer to a more normal way of life.

“Testing family members provides another layer of reassurance to parents and education staff that schools are as safe as possible.

“The rapid tests help uncover hidden cases of the virus and break chains of transmission, stopping outbreaks before they occur, and they are a vital tool to help us lower infection rates and ensure that they stay low.

“I would encourage all eligible households to take up the offer of twice weekly rapid testing – it’s quick and painless and could help save lives.”

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Tests are now available to collect for adults in families and households with primary, secondary and college age children, including childcare and support bubbles. This is also available for households or support bubbles of adults who work in a school.

As with student testing, this is encouraged but not mandatory.

Getting a symptom-free rapid test is quick and convenient.

You can currently collect packs of home test kits from three sites locally.

You can drop-in and collect kits every day from 1pm to 8pm. You will not be able to collect kits at other times. No booking is required but please check the link for up-to-date opening times and availability.

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Residents can find their nearest site by visiting https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites.maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

You can also get a test:

through your employer if they offer testing to employees

by booking a community test at Hove Town Hall, Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre or participating pharmacies

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should book a test online or by calling 119.