Asymptomatic Tests Offered

From today Stansted Mountfitchet residents can test to see if they have Covid–19 without having any symptoms. 

Pick up the free test from Turpin’s Indoor Bowling Club in Saffron Walden or the Rowena Davey Centre in Great Dunmow. 

Known as a PCR test, it is being offered to individuals or people in their immediate family/support bubble across the Uttlesford district who may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus. 

Members of the public can do the test at home, register it online, then drop it back to the same centre for processing. No appointment is needed. 

The tests are targeted at key workers, those who have informal caring roles and those who cannot work from home, although no-one will be prevented from taking a test. 

Uttlesford is the only district with two testing locations, although sites are being set up in every district and borough in Essex. The health initiative is part of a joint programme by Essex County Council and the Department for Health and Social Care. 

It is hoped increased testing will prevent and reduce transmission of Covid-19 in the community. 

Cllr Petrina Lees said: “Around 1 in 3 people with the virus have no symptoms, so could be spreading it without knowing.  

‘The PCR testing programme is designed to identify these people so they can self-isolate,” the Uttlesford District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health added. 

Click here for more information and advice about the programme.