People urged to do the right thing and book a test if they have COVID-19 symptoms

Partnership organisations, who are working together to combat COVID-19, are urging residents to not put off getting tested for the virus if they experience any of the symptoms - so that they can help protect themselves and their loved ones.

With recent attendance at local test centres slightly decreasing, members of the county's Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum are reminding people who have a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss of taste and/or smell that they should book a test as soon as possible, and self-isolate until their results are known.

People can book at test at the GOV.UK: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) (opens new window)

There is a quick turnaround between booking a test at a local test site local and getting the results back, so people are encouraged to play their part and follow the guidance. Test centres will also be open throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

The easiest way to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 is to keep:

• Washing hands - keep washing hands regularly
• Wearing face coveringsin enclosed spaces
• Making space - stay at least 2 meters apart or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions
• Self-isolating when required to do so

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

"Putting off getting a test can have a serious knock-on effect so anyone who has symptoms should act fast.I'm sure people who have any COVID symptoms will want peace of mind either way, so they should book a test, otherwise they could be putting themselves, their family and the wider community at risk.

"Local COVID-19 rates are currently on the downward trend and that's really encouraging, but if people lower their guard and get complacent now then we will certainly see cases spike again. I ask people, please, do the right thing."

Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:

"I would echo the words of Cllr Whitehead and other public health partners and urge members of the public to take a test if they have symptoms of coronavirus.

"It's down to all of us to do the right things to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our fellow residents safe this winter. Access to testing has been a crucial part of our strategy in tackling COVID-19 here in Swindon and, as a public health authority, we are keen for testing to continue to be an effective weapon against the virus."

Chairman of the Local Resilience Forum, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, said:

"It's really important that we all play our part in beating this virus by getting tested if you are experiencing any of the recognised COVID symptoms. This is absolutely vital in helping to bring down infection rates, protecting yourself and others around you.

"The good news is that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for distribution across the United Kingdom. However, it will be some months before the most vulnerable are protected and we cannot let our guard down. It is more important than ever that we follow the rules and take personal responsibility to protect each other over the coming weeks."