Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health for the city, is urging citizens to remember the importance of testing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
With cases on the rise nationally and locally, it is vital that people with symptoms, or those who may have come into contact with someone who is COVID positive, get tested as soon as possible.
Dr Dewis highlighted how important this is, particularly in the current climate:
With the Delta variant now prominent across the country, we are unfortunately in a position where COVID cases are rising and could continue to do so rapidly.
This has led to a delay in the roadmap, and if cases continue to climb, we risk restrictions being in place for longer. One of the best ways to reduce this risk and transmission in general is to make use of testing.
Testing is free and easy to access across Derby. There are various options available:
If you have symptoms
If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should self-isolate and book a test immediately.
Symptomatic tests (PCR) 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.
PCR 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.
If you have been asked to self-isolate due to contact with a positive case
Those who come into contact with someone who has tested positive may be asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace app or contacted by phone by the Test and Trace team.
In this instance you should immediately self-isolate. It is also recommended that you get a COVID test to better protect yourself and others. You can get a PCR test even if you do not have symptoms. You can also request a lateral flow (asymptomatic) test for home delivery.
Those who are in the same household as someone who has tested positive should self-isolate immediately and request a test even if they have not been contacted by Test and Trace.
If you are not able to work from home
Those who must leave home for work, particularly those who come into contact with lots of different people, are highly encouraged to take regular lateral flow tests. Further information on how to access regular lateral flow testing can be viewed on the Council's COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms pages.
If testing at home, individuals will need to register their results online or by calling 119. If they test positive, they should self-isolate and book a PCR test to confirm.
While in these instances testing is highly advised, anyone in the country is able to request free lateral flow (rapid) COVID-19 tests either by post or collection.
Dr Dewis also discussed the importance of self-isolation for those who have tested positive or been asked to due to contact with a positive case:
Whether or not you have COVID symptoms, if you have been asked to self-isolate or live with someone who has tested positive, it is vital that you remain at home for the required period.
This is because you could develop symptoms at any point during this time, even if you are well when you are first asked to self-isolate.
You could also be unwittingly carrying the virus, as up to 1 in 3 individuals will not display any symptoms. This means you could transmit COVID to another person.
You can read more about testing and self-isolation guidance on the Government website. There is also information on accessing PCR and lateral flow testing in Derby on the Council website.