Covid-19: Darlington set for fast testing programme roll-out

FAST turnaround Covid-19 testing is set to be rolled out in Darlington next week, as part of ongoing efforts to defeat the virus.

Tests will be available at the Dolphin Centre initially, with plans to offer tests at community venues across the borough from January and support key businesses. Details of how people can book tests will be available soon.

Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Housing, welcomed the news.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Government has supported Darlington’s request to deliver enhanced community testing, this will help us pinpoint those affected by the virus and it will be a vital tool in continuing to drive down our case numbers.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Darlington to build on the progress that we’ve made as a community in the last few weeks and will help to keep us on the right track as we approach Christmas.

“Businesses and communities are having a difficult time, so it is right that the Council escalates its response in order to get us out of Tier 3.

“We have already received 10,000 tests – known as lateral flow tests – with more on the way and these are being used in a targeted way right now.”

“Until the vaccination programme is fully operational – which we hope will be as soon as possible, but will in all likelihood not be until well after Christmas – this is the best weapon we have to tackle Covid-19.

“As well as targeting the most vulnerable and those who care for them, we hope people who are not showing symptoms will come forward to have these free tests, which provide fast results in under 15 minutes.

“They have been shown to be effective identifying people who are infectious and most likely to transmit Covid-19, with the fast turnaround enabling those who receive a positive result to isolate quickly, also reducing the spread.

“My thanks to everyone involved in this project and those who come forward to get tested – it will make a huge difference.”

Details of how to book a test will be posted on the council’s social media pages, as well as at www.darlington.gov.uk/coronavirus