Rapid coronavirus testing for people that can't work from home will be available from Monday.
From January 18, the council is offering people who can’t work from home and come into contact with the public free tests at Riverside Children’s Centre, North Shields.
With results back within an hour, the pilot aims to quickly identify those with the virus, but without symptoms, who could unwittingly pass it on to others.
It’s for those who don’t have access to other rapid testing and could include taxi drivers, tradespeople, social workers, nursery staff and more.
It’s also available for symptom-free residents who are a close contact of someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable to the virus and is shielding, however it is not for the person who is shielding.
Director of Public Health, Wendy Burke, said: “This type of testing has a role to play in the fight against coronavirus and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to those who come into contact with others as part of their job and close contacts of those who are shielding.
“I would really encourage anyone who is eligible to take part – up to a third of people with Covid-19 may not display symptoms but are still infectious and can spread the virus.
"We need to break the chains of transmission, so we can reduce infection rates, look after our loved ones and protect the NHS.
“It’s really important that those taking part continue to follow the Government lockdown and public health advice, even if they test negative.”
Karen Goldfinch, Chair of North Tyneside Business Forum, added: “There are many people in the borough who can’t work from home and may come into contact with others on a daily basis.
“Taking part in this testing plays an essential role in keeping them – and the wider community – safe and in work.
“On behalf of the North Tyneside Business Forum, I hope employers will support and encourage their staff to take part.”
Testing will take place at the Riverside Children’s Centre, North Shields, and those taking part will be tested twice a week, for six weeks.
The site is open seven days a week, with varying opening times, and appointments must be booked in advance at www.bookwhen.com/northtyneside.
This testing is for those who don’t have access to other regular rapid testing and for people without symptoms.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “We’ve already come so far since first setting up a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to help counter Covid-19, but we continue to strive to go further, faster.
“Around one in three people have the virus without symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission.
“I’m delighted that North Tyneside Council are working with us roll out community testing in North Tyneside, and I look forward to seeing the results.”
Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, added: “NHS Test and Trace continues to play a leading role in the fight against Covid-19. Increased community testing is a vital additional tool at our disposal to help identify those who are infected and infectious, but unaware that they might be spreading the disease.
“The work of North Tyneside Council in North Tyneside will be essential in driving down transmission rates. I urge all those living in areas where community testing is offered to come forward and get tested.”
Testing for people with symptoms remains in place for everyone in the borough.
Anyone with symptoms, which includes a new continuous cough, change or loss of smell or taste and/or a temperature, should self-isolate immediately and book a test via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
