People living and working in Essex, without Covid-19 symptoms, are now being offered walk-in appointments for a rapid test at their local test centre. With 13 test centres now in full operation, capacity for testing has increased, meaning people now have another option available to them.

Residents and those working in Essex had previously been invited to book their test appointment in advance, online or by phone. The new option brings more flexibility, especially for those who are unable to work from home and want to get tested for peace of mind and reassurance.

Around a third of people with Covid-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading the virus unknowingly. Although case numbers are declining, there is still a worrying number of people with Covid-19 in Essex. Health officials in the county advise figures could go down even quicker if together we break the chain of transmission by getting tested regularly.

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care says: “The number of cases in Essex is continuing to reduce, and that’s down to the great efforts of the people of Essex. This is also because of the upscaling of testing of those without symptoms. It’s important to get tested regularly to stop the spread, and now we are accepting walk-ins, it’s easier than ever.”

Rapid Covid-19 tests are available at 13 test centres across Essex, all easily accessible and Covid-secure:

Basildon – Towngate Theatre, and The Place Leisure Centre, Pitsea

Braintree – Witham Town Football Club

Brentwood – The Nightingale Centre

Castle Point – Waterside Farm Leisure Centre

Chelmsford – Central Baptist Church

Colchester – Colchester Leisure Centre

Epping Forest – Theydon Bois Village Hall

Harlow – Civic Centre, The Water Gardens

Maldon – West Maldon Community Centre

Rochford – The MegaCentre

Tendring – Long Meadows Community Centre

Uttlesford – Saffron Walden ECL

Walk-in or book an appointment online at

www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested or by calling 0333 772 6144.

Anyone with symptoms should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

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