Free at-home Covid-19 testing kits can now be collected at libraries in Manchester as well as pharmacies across the city.
Mass rapid testing is being made available to as many people as possible to prevent the further spread of the virus as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Lateral flow devices take a swab of the nose and throat like a regular PCR coronavirus test and can produce a positive or negative result within an hour.
Members of the public will be able to pick up two free tests as part of ongoing efforts to detect Covid hotspots early and eliminate the need for future restrictions.
The lateral flow tests will be provided at the following locations:
- Beswick Library, Grey Mare Lane
- The Avenue Library and Learning Centre, Victoria Avenue East, Blackley
- Chorlton Library, Manchester Road
- Didsbury Library, Wilmslow Road
- Gorton Library, Garratt Way
- Longsight Library and Learning Centre, Stockport Road
- Newton Heath Library, Old Church Street
- North City Library, Rochdale Road
- Withington Library, Wilmslow Road
- Wythenshawe Forum Library, Forum Grove
Tests are also being offered by dozens of pharmacies across Manchester as data shows that the majority of the population lives less than 20 minutes away from their nearest chemist.
Assisted tests will also be carried out across several venues to help those who are unable to take the tests themselves.
David Regan, director of public health in Manchester, said: “One of the key pillars of life returning to normal has been the expansion of testing in the city.
“Since the beginning of the year we have been working on how to make Covid tests as easily accessible as possible for our residents.
“By making tests available at well used and easily found public spaces like libraries we are taking down barriers that could otherwise prevent someone from knowing if they have Covid.
“I hope that as many people as possible take up this offer of free testing, but in the meantime it is still vitally important to keep socially distancing, washing our hands and wearing masks.”
To find your nearest lateral flow device supplier, go to https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/. To order your own rapid test, go to https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.
