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Council completes over 25,000 Covid community tests

Council completes over 25,000 Covid community tests
19 March 2021

Darlington Borough Council has now carried out more than 25,000 Covid-19 tests for people not showing symptoms.

The town was one of the first to roll out a community testing scheme in December and as of Wednesday (17 March), has carried out 25,215 community tests.

Of the 25,215 tests completed by Darlington Borough Council staff, 364 tests came back with a positive test result (1.4% of total tests).

Cllr Kevin Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: “I’m delighted that over 25,000 tests have been competed by Darlington Borough Council as part of our community testing scheme.

“We are proud to be able to offer our communities asymptomatic tests at six testing sites, with appointments available in fortnightly blocks which allows for block-booking.

“This is a really important service for people who cannot work from home or who are leaving the house regularly for essential reasons, such as medical appointments and shopping for people who have to self-isolate.

“By taking regular community tests, you can help stop the spread of Covid-19 within our communities and keep us on track to the next stage of lifting lockdown restrictions.”

Darlington residents are encouraged to take community tests twice a week, including staff, students and parents at secondary schools and colleges.

Cllr Nicholson added: “Although schools and colleges are offering their own testing services, we remind you that appointments at our sites are still available to all Darlington residents.

“We especially encourage everyone who does not yet feel comfortable doing the tests to book an appointment at one of our testing sites, so that our friendly and trained staff can help you get used to the process.”

Community tests at the Council’s testing sites are free and available for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for 10 days.

The six testing sites are at the Dolphin Centre, Head of Steam railway museum and community centres in Firthmoor, Red Hall, Heighington and Middleton St George.

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