After a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, Derby City Council are asking residents from Littleover and Heatherton to come forward for PCR testing to find asymptomatic virus cases and stop further spread across the city.

A drive-through and walk-through mobile testing unit will be available at Littleover Community School (Pastures Hill, Littleover, DE23 4BZ) this weekend, Friday 2 July to Monday 5 July between 9.00am and 5.00pm. There is no need to book. Anyone unable to visit the mobile testing unit, can request a postal PCR test kit by going online or calling 119.

Anyone under the age of 16 who would like to be tested will need a parent or guardian to attend with them.

Those being asked to come forward for testing are:

  • Any pupil or member of staff from Littleover Community School
  • Any family member of a pupil or staff member at Littleover Community School
  • Any residents in Littleover or Heatherton

Residents in other areas of the city are being encouraged to continue using the free rapid lateral flow coronavirus (COVID-19) tests twice a week. Testing kits can be collected from local pharmacies or ordered online for home delivery.

Residents who receive a positive lateral flow test result or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate with their household and book a PCR test or request a postal test kit online or by calling 119.

Anyone who receives a positive PCR test result and is required to self-isolate for 10 days can contact the Community Hub for help and support. Those who may lose income as a result of self-isolation may be eligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500.

Other actions residents can take to reduce spread and protect themselves includes:

  • Getting vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness from the virus, including the Delta variant first identified in India. It is important that we all have two doses and you can now receive the second dose from 8 weeks after the first. Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to book their free COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Being cautious when meeting people who aren’t in your household. Consider limiting the number of people you meet with, focus on those who are most important to you and continue to meet outside if possible.
  • Minimising travel Moving around increases our contacts and so the risk of spread. Consider which journeys are most important.

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

The rise in cases is not unique to Derby and the Delta Variant is causing a rise in cases nationally. With restrictions lifting, it’s more important than ever that we all do the right thing for Derby. This includes making sure we’re doing our rapid lateral flow tests twice a week, keeping our distance and washing our hands and wearing face coverings when recommended. These are the actions we all need to take to prevent further spread of the virus in our city.

We’re also strongly encouraging everyone that hasn’t so far, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses to protect themselves and their loved ones.