Changes to asymptomatic testing sites and a new collection model in Wiltshire

The Wiltshire Council asymptomatic lateral flow testing sites in Wiltshire are changing from Wednesday 31 March, with the Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury test sites closing and a new collection model starting at sites across the county.

As the busiest and most central site, Devizes Leisure Centre will continue as it is, offering in-person asymptomatic testing which can be booked online. The Devizes site also started a collection option on Friday 26 March, and Monkton Park in Chippenham and Bourne Hill in Salisbury are also now offering the option to collect lateral flow test kits for use at home.

Wiltshire Council will gradually be setting up additional lateral flow test collection sites to bring the total to 10 collection sites across the county, with the additional site locations still to be confirmed.

Anyone who is asymptomatic can collect lateral flow tests at the collection sites without booking. This testing is being rolled out because around one in three people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. Rapid lateral flow tests help to find cases in people who may have no symptoms but are still infectious and can give the virus to others.

The at home test kits are intended for use twice weekly, and results can be logged online. If the test result is positive, people need to take a PCR test to confirm the result. PCR tests can be booked through GOV.UK: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests (opens new window).

People who have any symptoms of coronavirus should not use this service. Symptoms include a high temperature, a new, persistent cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If people are showing any symptoms, see GOV.UK: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests (opens new window). Testing with symptoms is offered at the regional and local testing sites.

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health at Wiltshire Council, said:

Due to the size of our county, the test collection option is much more accessible and convenient for people across Wiltshire, who may struggle to get to the locations for a booked time at our current in-person asymptomatic test sites.

The collect sites are available to anyone, but we would particularly encourage families with school aged children and their bubbles to collect tests twice weekly, in line with national guidance. School children, college students, and staff should continue to be tested at school or college.

We would also remind people that a negative lateral flow test does not guarantee that someone is not infected, and people should still continue to follow the guidance about distancing, wearing a face mask where required, and regular hand washing.

As part of the Government's roadmap to cautiously lift restrictions, businesses of any size can register for the Government's workplace testing scheme to order free lateral flow tests for their employees. Businesses have until 12 April to sign up GOV.UK: Guidance - Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing guidance for employers (opens new window).

People can call the 119 helpline if they need any support including translation services, or for any assistance with registering their test or reporting results.