Households with school age children are being urged to continue testing throughout the Easter holidays.

Over the coming weeks, lockdown restrictions are expected to be loosened across England in line with the Government’s Roadmap. Changes will include the return of organised sport, as well as groups of six people or two households being allowed to mix outdoors.

With children home from school for the next two weeks as well, families should keep testing to ensure any positive cases are picked up prior to children returning after the break.

Covid-19 test kits are now available from one of five locations in Bath and North East Somerset.

Previously only available from Carpenter House in Bath, and the Scout Hut in Keynsham between 2.30 pm – 8 pm, families can now pick up test kits anytime between 7 am and 7 pm, from Monday to

Saturday, from The Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton, The Apex Hotel, James Street, Bath and The Masonic Hall, Bath Road, Keynsham.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services and Health, said: “One in three of those with coronavirus have no symptoms – so it’s important we protect our loved ones, by picking these people up and stopping them unknowingly passing the virus on to others.

“With more people meeting following the changes to restrictions, it’s likely to lead to an increase in transmission. Therefore, it’s important we continue to test – twice a week, and three to four days apart.”

Don’t forget – if you do not have children, you are over sixteen, and you live or work in B&NES, you can still get tested at one of the three rapid test sites in Midsomer Norton, Bath or Keynsham. Open from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, you can book online at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest

Having a Covid-19 lateral flow test (LFT) at a test centre is quick and easy. Once you’ve registered online, getting tested takes just five minutes – with the results being sent later that day.

Please do not contact the venues directly with rapid flow testing enquiries.

For questions about access to local rapid testing, email: [email protected]