Covid Surge Testing In Wokingham Sees Strong Turnout
Thousands of residents in Bulmershe & Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys and Wescott have come forward for Covid-19 tests as part of the council’s surge testing programme, which launched on Monday 7 June.
Covid Surge Testing In Wokingham To Run For Two Weeks
The programme is set to run for two weeks (up to Monday 21 June), with all test centres experiencing an impressive turnout over the past few days. Sites at Shute End and Cantley Park have been busy with visitors in cars and on foot, and the council is encouraging residents to consider visiting quieter sites, such as Sindlesham Court and the Microsoft Campus, which are both open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.
In addition to this:
· Council employees have started door knocking in the above wards to help raise awareness and encourage further take-up, reaching over 1,000 residents in the first day
· Vulnerable residents within the affected areas are receiving targeted visits from specialist Adult Social Care staff to arrange drop off and collection of home test kits
· Over 1,300 businesses in these areas are being contacted to offer test kit drop off and collection
· All schools in these wards have been contacted and the council is offering support with home kits for students and staff – over 1,600 test kits have been dropped off already
Comments
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for said: “We’ve been massively impressed with the take-up of testing. We are seeing many people come forward who have never engaged in Covid testing before, and this is a true testament to the commitment of our residents in keeping our borough safe.
“At the same time, we’ve made sure that we’ve offered support to businesses, schools and our most vulnerable residents to ensure they have access to tests. We know some people will be feeling anxious about surge testing; but it really is a precautionary measure to help prevent further spread of the virus – all national restrictions remain the same.”
“Some our test centres have been very busy, particularly on the first day of opening, and we will be adapting as we go, ensuring we share important messages with residents through all our usual channels. Please remember that getting tested is the right thing to do for yourself and others.”
Further Information
Any residents who aren’t sure whether their area is affected should use the postcode checker on the council’s surge testing webpage to find out: www.wokingham.gov.uk/surge-testing
