Additional PCR testing in Peterborough over the next three days

Residents without symptoms of Covid-19 are being offered the chance to get a PCR test at sites across the city this week to help identify variant cases of the virus early and reduce any spread.

Although the number of identified cases of a variant strain of Covid-19 are low in Peterborough, the city council wants to be proactive in its search for them so that transmission can be reduced.

People without symptoms can access the tests, without a booking, at the following locations:

· Wednesday 26 May – Testing vehicle at Cathedral Square in the city centre, 10am to 5pm.

· Thursday 27 May - St Andrew's Church, Netherton, 9am to 5pm.

· Friday 28 May – Testing vehicle at Husaini Islamic Centre, Burton Street, 10am to 5pm.

The testing is different to the rapid tests which people are being asked to complete twice a week as part of their normal life, as PCR tests are processed at a laboratory where the virus can be examined to determine whether it is the new variant of Covid-19.

This proactive testing as a precaution will help the city council to understand how common new variant strains of the virus might be in the city and to avoid the transmission levels being seen in other parts of the country.

People will also be able to collect rapid testing kits to complete at home from the sites.

This PCR testing is for people without symptoms of Covid-19. Those with symptoms should book a test using the booking site at www.gov.uk-get-coronavirus-test