Mass Covid-19 testing sites to be set-up across Warwickshire

Warwickshire County Council's looking for volunteers to help support their response to the Covid-19 pandemic as part of a national testing programme.

Community testing sites will be set-up across Warwickshire in the next few weeks with the first site opening in north Warwickshire.  

Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Heritage & Culture said:  “Volunteers are an essential part of the work we are doing here in Warwickshire. The testing will play a vital role in keeping communities safe and will enhance our fight against Covid-19. By testing people who don’t have symptoms, we are hoping to catch those who are not aware that they have the virus to ensure that they don’t unwittingly spread it to other people - including friends, loved ones and work colleagues. 

“If you’re great with people with a friendly and approachable manner and want to play your part in helping to keep communities safer, then this is the role for you.” 
 
The pilot will use the fast turnaround lateral flow test kits, which can deliver results in around an hour. Lateral flow antigen tests are a new kind of technology that can be used to test a higher proportion of asymptomatic people, better enabling the Public Health team to identify and isolate more people who are at high likelihood of spreading virus and break the chains of transmission.

The County Council are now asking for volunteers to help in the front facing roles to support with the following:

•    Help people to register on arrival 
•    Provide reassurance and a friendly face 
•    Give out information and answer any questions 
•    Help to manage the flow of people and guide them around sites, keeping everyone safe and ensuring the sites are well run 

A spokesperson from the council said: "Volunteers will not be asked to get involved with the testing procedure itself, this will be undertaken by the staff on site. 

"The health and safety of all volunteers, staff and visitors will be of paramount importance.  Covid-19 safety measures and guidance will be applied at all times.  Appropriate PPE will be issued to volunteers."