Devon mobile covid testing times change

Two new locations added too

Two more towns have been added to the locations being visited each week by a  mobile covid testing van.

From this week, they're heading to Holsworthy and Mortonhampstead, offering rapid testing to people who don't have covid symptoms.

If you test negative, you can carry on with your day while still adhering to the public health measures. If you test positive you must self-isolate for ten days. People are being encouraged to take these tests twice a week to identify those unwittingly carrying the virus.

The additional stops mean visiting times at other Devon County Council-run sites have changed - at Ashburton, Axminster, Barnstaple, Bideford, Buckfastleigh, Crediton, Cullompton, Dartmouth, Dawlish, Exeter, Exmouth, Great Torrington, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Lynton-Lynmouth, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Seaton, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton and Totnes.

The revised schedules include location changes too in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Crediton, Ashburton-Buckfastleigh and Honiton. And the day of at least one of the two stops has also changed in both Ivybridge and Tavistock.

Details are at www.devon.cc/flowThe tests are for anyone without symptoms.

The mobile testing sites also have takeaway kits so people can take the lateral flow tests at home.  Staff at the mobile testing sites can demonstrate how to take the test.

Steve Brown, director of Public Health Devon, said: “Community testing is a vital tool in our efforts to continue to suppress the spread of the virus. Your results are back with you within the hour.  Testing is particularly important if you leave home to work or volunteer, or if you’re a carer for instance."