Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to get into the habit of having a rapid Covid-19 test.

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.

This means an increased risk of transmission, and so individuals going out to work, volunteers, and parents and carers are being urged to regularly visit one of the test centres in B&NES to either take a test, or to pick up a test kit.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services and Health, said: “As we emerge from lockdown we’ll have to make some changes to enable us to adapt to the new normal. It’s important that everyone, even those who have been vaccinated,

continue to practise good habits such as washing hands, wearing a mask and social distancing. But it’s also important that we start to get into the habit of having a regular Covid-19 test – preferably twice a week and 3–4 days apart.

Cllr Appleyard added: “In the words of our Director of Health, Dr Bruce Laurence: ‘Up the beak, twice a week.’”

Having a Covid-19 lateral flow test (LFT), is quick and easy. Once you’ve registered online, getting tested takes just five minutes – with the results being sent later that day. The tests are open to anyone over the age of sixteen who lives or works in Bath and North East Somerset – provided they don’t have symptoms.

There are three sites in Bath and North East Somerset where you can take a quick, free test – these are:

The Apex Hotel, James Street, Bath;

The Masonic Hall, Bath Road, Keynsham and the Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton.

These sites are all open from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. You can also book online, and this can be done up to two weeks in advance: www.bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest.

There are also two venues in B&NES where you can collect a test kit and test yourself at home, with more coming online soon. These are: Carpenter House in Broad Quay, Bath and 1st Keynsham Scouts HQ in Ashton Way.

For more information about booking a rapid flow test including eligibility, visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest