More than 21,000 get tested

More than 21,000 Derbyshire residents have visited one of our community testing centres for a coronavirus test since they opened.

Most have tested negative, but a small number, 304 (1.4%), were shown to be positive.

Community testing centres are now open in Swadlincote, Heanor, South Normanton and Shirebrook. Further centres are expected to be announced within the next week.

Dean Wallace, the county’s Director of Public Health said:

"I’d like to thank all those who have been in for a test.

"The number of people testing positive is small, but this means that all these people who otherwise would not have known they were carrying the virus are now self-isolating, as are their contacts and are not spreading the virus further.

"I’d like to ask everyone to keep coming back for another test every week while the centres are open."

The test is for those over the age of 11 who live or work near to the test centres, and who don’t have symptoms. The testing will identify people with COVID-19, enable support for those who have to self-isolate and drive infection rates down further in the county. And local people are asked to come in for a test each week while the centres are open.

Other established methods of testing for people with symptoms will continue alongside community testing and people who have a high temperature, continuous cough or have lost their sense of small or taste should book a test online in the usual way.

Those attending are asked to wear a face covering but not to bring bags or other items with them that they don’t consider to be essential. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany those aged 11 to 16.

Find out centre addresses and opening times.

Find out what the demand is like at the centres when you want to go along.