A testing site has opened at Derby’s Riverside Centre, with the aim of delivering targeted, asymptomatic testing for those most at risk of catching COVID-19. Asymptomatic individuals are those who carry an illness without displaying any symptoms.

Lateral flow (rapid) tests will be made available to individuals who have been identified as being more exposed to catching the virus, such as frontline workers who deal closely with the community, in a bid to reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission.

The programme will only be available for those who are do not have any COVID symptoms and will be run strictly on an  appointment basis only. Those who receive an asymptomatic test at the Riverside Centre will be asked to continue to be tested on a regular basis in order to most efficiently detect cases. 

Frontline workers who are not showing symptoms and cannot work from home can book a rapid test online. Test results will be delivered shortly after the test, via text or email.

Please note you should NOT visit the site if you have COVID symptoms, are awaiting results of a symptomatic COVID test or have been asked to self-isolate.

As well as testing, the programme will offer guidance for those who have to self-isolate following a positive test result by signposting individuals to support such as financial grants they may be eligible for or Derby’s Community Hub.

Access to COVID-19 testing is a key building block in helping to prevent the spread of the virus along with keeping our distance, washing our hands, wearing a face covering, self-isolating and applying a test if we have symptoms, and contact tracing for those who test positive. 

Alongside greater access to symptomatic testing, a citywide contact tracing partnership, support for isolation, and the national vaccination programme, asymptomatic testing will support the city’s recovery from COVID-19 during 2021.

Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health, Derby City Council, said:

The roll-out of targeted, asymptomatic testing is a welcome step to bringing down rates of transmission in Derby. We hope that the programme will improve protection for vulnerable people by catching asymptomatic cases early.

Our other methods of protection remain more important than ever – we should be staying at home except for essential reasons and keeping our distance and washing our hands when we have to go out.

To that end, we do want to remind everyone that there is plenty of testing capacity available for those with COVID symptoms in the city, with several sites accessible for different areas of the city. If you are experiencing any or all of the main COVID symptoms, remember to self-isolate immediately and apply for a test.

Tests are currently available to all citizens of Derby who have one or more of the main COVID symptoms: a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss / change of sense of smell or taste.

Symptomatic tests are bookable online or by calling 119. There are local testing sites at Morleston Street Day Centre, Austin Sunnyhill Children’s Centre, Sussex Circus and West End Community Centre for those who do not have access to a car – all of which are open seven days a week.