FREE at-home Covid-19 testing kits are now available to collect from Tameside’s 8 local libraries.
Covid-19 rates across Tameside and Greater Manchester are rising rapidly, and adults are urged to do regular home testing even if they don’t have symptoms and even if they have had one or two doses of the vaccine to play their part in stopping the spread of the virus.
Rapid lateral flow tests take just 30 minutes to be processed and are available to all adults in Tameside.
Members of the public are able to pick up a free test kit which contains seven tests, as part of the ongoing plan to help find those who may have COVID and be infective, but don’t yet know it.
As well as libraries, tests are also available at pharmacies throughout Tameside. Data shows that the vast majority of the population is less than 20 minutes away from their nearest pharmacy meaning they are one of the most convenient locations for people to access.
To find the nearest lateral flow device collection / testing site go to: https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk
Tests can also be ordered online for home delivery, to order a Covid-19 home test kit online go to: www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council’s executive member for adult services, said: “One of the key pillars of strengthened support to combat rising COVID rates in Greater Manchester is the continued expansion of testing in the borough. We have been working continuously on how to make Covid tests as easily accessible as possible for our residents.
“By making tests available at well-used and easily found public spaces like libraries we are taking down barriers that could otherwise prevent someone from knowing if they have Covid.
“I encourage everyone to take up this offer of free rapid testing to help protect loved ones and the wider community, and would also like to remind everyone of other vital measures – getting vaccinated when eligible, socialising outside, social distancing, washing hands and wearing masks.”
Locations of libraries supplying rapid testing kits:
- Ashton Library, Market Place, Ashton
- Hattersley Library, The Hub, Stockport Rd, Hattersley
- Denton Library, Town Hall, Market St, Denton
- Hyde Library, Town Hall, Greenfield St, Hyde
- Droylsden Library, Manchester Rd, Droylsden
- Mossley Library, George Lawton Hall, Stamford St, Mossley
- Dukinfield Library, Concord Way, Dukinfield
- Stalybridge Library, 1A Trinity St, Stalybridge
Find their opening times here: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/Covid19#OpenLibs
More about rapid testing in Tameside: www.tameside.gov.uk/rapidtesting