An opportunity for those who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms) to be tested as part of a joint programme with Essex County Council and the Department for Health and Social Care has started in Maldon today, 11 January.
The tests are targeted at people without symptoms who cannot work from home, and their families, provided they live or work in the Maldon District. However, others without symptoms will not be prevented from taking a test. You can find out more at www.maldon.gov.uk/communitytesting.
We would ask that only 1 person attends to collect the testing kit (not as a group) and we would remind everyone to observe social distancing and wear a face covering whilst entering the building.
Collection / Drop-off Testing site
The tests can be collected from Maldon Town Hall, Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4RL
- Monday 9.30am – 3.30pm
- Tuesday 9.30am – 3.30pm
- Wednesday 9.30am – 3.30pm
The test involves a swab from the nose and mouth, which is done by you at home, and then dropped back off to the Town Hall and placed in the collection box. No physical interaction will be required when dropping off the test kit.
They will then be couriered to a lab from Monday to Wednesday for analysis. If you collect a test kit after 12 noon on a Wednesday, please do not take the test until the following Monday and then return the test kit on that day.
Please be aware that the test cannot be carried out on site and MUST be taken away to ensure that we can manage the process safely and support as many of our residents as possible.
You do not need to book an appointment, just turn up on the opening days and times mentioned above.
Please follow the instructions within the test kit on how to register your test online and how to seal the package once the test is done. Anyone who does not register will not receive their test results.
Please DO NOT attend this site if you have any coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to isolate.
Cllr Wendy Stamp, Leader of Maldon District Council, said, the increased testing will help prevent and reduce transmission of Covid-19 in the community.
“With infection rates so high and 1 in 18 people in Essex infectious, but many not having symptoms, we need to get as many people tested as we can.
“Community testing means anyone can get a free test and play their part in keeping others safe, and together we can beat this virus.
“If you do test positive it is so important to self-isolate, so we can stop Covid-19 from spreading.”
What to do if you have symptoms
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and get tested now, so we can control the virus and protect each other.
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
- or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Check your symptoms via the NHS 111 service and follow their instructions.
You should not have a test if you have previously tested positive via a PCR test in the last 12 weeks, as this can give a false result.
Getting your results
The tests are PCR tests, will be sent away to a laboratory for analysis.
Results could take up to 5 days to come back and are communicated to you via email/text/phone call.
