Keeping Hertfordshire safe with rapid COVID-19 testing

Rapid Lateral Flow Testing (LTF) available to those showing no symptoms.

 One in three people with COVID-19 display no symptoms, meaning it is easy to spread the virus without realising, even when vaccinated.

Regular rapid testing, also known as Lateral Flow Testing (LTF), helps to identify these cases and reduce the spread of infection. All residents without symptoms are urged to play their part and get tested. Making a habit of regular testing as well as following the Government’s guidance will play a key role in successfully moving along the roadmap out of lockdown.

Rapid testing is recommended for everyone aged 12 and over; it is simple to do and results are quick. Tests can be collected from local pharmacies, a local testing centre or ordered and delivered to residents’ homes. Parents, carers and adults in support bubbles providing childcare are being encouraged to take regular rapid lateral flow tests at home. Home tests are not recommended to be carried out on children in nursery, infant or primary school; unless specifically requested by a healthcare professional.

Test centres are available in Stevenage and Watford; members of the public can drop in for a supervised test and collect tests to use at home. There is no need to book and results are available within 45 minutes. Residents are reminded to not attend a test centre if displaying symptoms of COVID-19, in this instance, a PCR test should be booked immediately.

Members of the public can find out further information on rapid lateral flow testing by visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest.  

Published: 20th May 2021