Rapid Covid-19 self-test kits are being offered to everyone living and working in Southend in a bid to support the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

As of Friday (April 9) everyone is eligible for twice weekly symptom-free LFD testing kits.

If these are not already supplied by your educational institution or workplace testing programme, kits can be collected at the following Southend LFD rapid testing sites:

• University Square building, London Road, Southend (entrance opposite Sainsbury's). Standard opening hours: 7 days a week 7am to 2.30pm

• Belfairs Methodist Church, Eastwood Rd North, Leigh, SS9 4NG. Standard opening hours: Monday 8am-4pm, Wednesday 8am-3:30pm, Tuesday - Sunday 8am-6pm

• Shoebury Youth Centre, Delaware Road, Shoebury, SS3 9NS. Standard opening hours: 7 days a week 8am to 6:30pm

The move comes under the Community Collect initiative, a national scheme to enable rapid lateral flow testing at home.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, Southend’s Director of Public Health, said: “It is important that we all remember that each and every one of us has a role to play in reducing the spread of the virus especially as lockdown restrictions continue to ease with stage two of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

“Our communities should feel reassured that the huge amount of planning already underway such as the community collect initiative, will allow residents and visitors to enjoy what the borough has to offer while keeping everyone safe.

"Let’s take this next step safely and please remember – hands, face, space and fresh air.”

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You do not need to book an appointment to pick up a test kit, however please do not visit one of these test sites if:

  • You have any symptoms of Covid-19 (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
  • You have had a positive test (LFD or PCR) in the last 90 days
  • You have been in contact with anyone in the last 10 days who has symptoms or tested positive

Instead book a PCR test online and continue to self-isolate until you receive the results.

You can also collect LFD testing kits from participating pharmacies by visiting this interactive map: https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/findatestcenter.htm

From today, you can also collect LFD testing kits from the following libraries:

  • Southchurch library
  • The Forum, Southend
  • Westcliff library
  • Kent Elms library
  • Leigh library

No appointment is necessary and social distancing measures will be in place.

If you are unable to collect a kit from one of the local collection points, they can be ordered via the GOV.UK website. Test kits are free.

You can collect two packs of home test kits. Each pack contains seven tests. You must be over 18 years old to collect home test kit.

Once you have completed your home test, you should report every result (positive, negative or void) to NHS Test and Trace, on the same day you take the test. Report your result online or by phone as indicated on the kit.