Posted on Tuesday 27th April 2021
People in Cannock, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Penkridge will be able to test and collect while out shopping at their local market this week.
Pop-up testing will be available at: Penkridge Market, 8am to 2pm and Newcastle Market, 10am to 1:30pm on Wednesday 28 April; and Cannock Market, 10am to 4pm on Friday 30 April. No booking is required, and visitors will be able to get a rapid test onsite and also pick up testing kits to use twice weekly and register their results at home.
Regular testing is important to containing the spread of infection as 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not show symptoms, and even those who have been vaccinated can still carry and pass on the virus to somebody who is not protected.
Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, Dr Richard Harling, encouraged shoppers to take advantage of the testing options on offer to help contain the virus and keep local businesses open.
“We know a lot of people will want to support local market traders who have been able to reopen recently, and the best way to do this is to ensure they’re getting tested twice a week to help keep infection rates low and help the easing of restrictions to continue as planned.
“The county council is making it easier than ever for residents to get a test by scheduling pop-up testing in areas with high footfall, such as local markets, high streets, supermarkets and visitor attractions. Please take full advantage of the testing pop-ups if you see one and please continue to follow all the rules and advice around social distancing, face coverings and household mixing.”
Rapid testing is for people without Covid-19 symptoms only. Anybody with symptoms should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
More information on testing can be found at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/testing.