I am absolutely delighted that after pushing this for months we now have mass testing coming to Broxtowe! From 1 pm on Thursday 25th February, there will be lateral flow testing taking place at Stapleford Library on Church Street.
One in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. This is why we are broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms but who have Covid-19, so we can find positive cases more quickly and break chains of transmission in Broxtowe.
Opening times will then be:
- Sundays and Mondays - closed
- Tuesdays - 8am - 6pm
- Wednesday - 7am - 5pm
- Thursdays - 8am - 6pm
- Fridays 8am - 6pm
- Saturdays 8.30am - 1pm
Remember you don’t need to book - just turn up!
If you want to find out if there is a queue at the time you wish to visit, then go to the NHS COVID-19 Test Finder website (opens in new window).
What is community testing?
Community (asymptomatic) testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms.
Community testing is not for those who have coronavirus symptoms. If you have symptoms, then you must self-isolate and book a test online (opens in new window) or call the NHS Test and Trace service on 119.
Community testing uses rapid lateral flow devices which helps identify those people who are infectious but asymptomatic and unaware that they might be spreading the virus, so that we can trace their contacts, support them to isolate and prevent transmission to others.
Identifying infectious individuals early, and those they have been in close contact with, and then isolating them can significantly reduce transmission of the virus and break transmission chains.
You do not need to book a community test. People taking part in community testing are asked to have a test at least once a week, ideally twice a week, for up to six weeks. Please return for tests regularly to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Who is the test for?
Community testing is aimed at working age members of our community aged 18-65.
Younger people are welcome to join the community testing programme but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 12 will need an adult to help with carrying out the swab test.
The priority area for Broxtowe is Stapleford, as there is a high proportion of residents who are of working age and those who are unable to work from home. Residents in that area are encouraged to join a local testing programme to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in their community.
Higher risk workers from across the Borough and those in close contact with the public should also take part in community testing. Sectors of the local workforce include those who work in retail, manufacturing, food production, transport, public sector and front line services.
What is the test like?
Lateral Flow Test (LFT) detects the presence or absence of coronavirus by applying a swab or saliva sample to the device’s absorbent pad. The sample runs along the surface of the pad, showing at the end a visual positive or negative result dependent on the presence of the virus.
What to remember
If you have a smart phone please bring it with you, fully charged, to register for your test result. If you don't have a smart phone, staff will be available to help you on site.
Please bring a face covering as you'll need to wear it in the testing centre.
Those attending are asked not to bring bags or other items with them that they don't consider to be essential. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and children under the age of 12 will need an adult to help with carrying out the swab test.
If you've tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, please do not come for a test.
Results of your rapid test
If you have a smartphone, after you've had the lateral flow test, you can leave the centre. The result from the test will be sent to you by text, usually within 30 minutes.
If you don't have a smartphone, you'll be asked to stay at the site until the result comes through.
If your result is negative, it means COVID-19 was not detected on the day. If you and your household do not have any symptoms of coronavirus you can continue to carry on your usual daily activities. You must come back each week while your local centre is open to have another test.
A negative test is not a guarantee and you should continue to follow prevention measures including regular hand washing, social distancing and using face coverings in enclosed spaces.
If your result is positive, you, and your household will need to begin isolating for 10 days immediately.
Help and support if you test positive
If you or a member of your household tests positive, then you will need to self-isolate for 10 days. You will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
If you are staying at home due to COVID-19 and need food, try to book a delivery from a supermarket or local business, or ask family, friends or neighbours to deliver supplies to your door.
NHS Volunteer Responders can help with shopping and medicines delivery, as well as regular friendly phone calls and transport to and from health appointments. Check if you are eligible by visiting the NHS Volunteer Responder website (opens in new window) and call 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm to arrange support.
If you need any other support (not food) due to COVID-19, please contact Nottinghamshire County Council on 0300 500 8080 during office hours. You can also find information on the county council's Community Hub (opens in new window). If you require urgent assistance outside of office hours, please phone the Police on 101.
You may be eligible for financial support through the test and trace support payment - find out more at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/testandtracepayments