New fast Covid-19 testing centre opens in Rayleigh
A new fast testing centre has opened in Rayleigh for people who DO NOT have symptoms of Covid-19.
The new Rayleigh testing centre is situated at The MegaCentre, 7 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7UT.
This testing centre is the fourth of its kind in Essex, and will join The Nightingale Centre in Brentwood, The Towngate Theatre in Basildon and The Place Leisure Centre in Pitsea as one of the first places in the county and the region to offer new and fast Lateral Flow Tests to the wider population.
The tests are ONLY for people for who DO NOT have symptoms and they give results in around 30 minutes.
Tests are by appointment only and bookings should be made online. Anyone booking should live in the Rochford area of Essex.
You can book a test if you don't have symptoms.
Booking online is the quickest and most effective option for residents seeking a Lateral Flow Test.
If you're not able to book using the online form, you can call 0333 772 6144 to arrange an appointment. Lines are open from 8am to 8pm, every day including Saturday and Sunday. You can also email: booking.confirmation@nhs.net and a member of staff will contact you to arrange an appointment.
Anyone WITH symptoms should book a test on the NHS Test and Trace App or the gov.uk website.
Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex's Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Infection rates in Rochford are rising rapidly - the district has one of the highest levels of cases in Essex and indeed the country.
"We know that local NHS services are coming under significant strain - particularly in Mid and South Essex - as a result of the new variant of Covid-19. A 'critical incident' has been declared, with critical care and bed capacity rising as well as high staff sickness and self-isolation levels.
Cllr John Spence, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health at Essex County Council, said: "We are absolutely determined to do all we can to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Essex, especially in the areas like Rayleigh where we are seeing rates continue to increase considerably.
Leader of Rochford District Council, Cllr Simon Wootton, said: "It is welcome news that the Megacentre has been selected as a site for Lateral Flow Testing, as this is one of the best ways that we can work together to combat the high infection rates we are experiencing in the Rochford District.
"The Megacentre and our partners have been instrumental throughout the pandemic, during which this site has been used as a community response hub to serve our most vulnerable residents, and I would like to thank them for their continued efforts."
