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More Than 1,500 Rapid Lateral Tests Carried Out On The Isle Of Wight

More than 1,500 Rapid COVID-19 lateral tests have been carried out for people without symptoms of the virus at the Island's test centres.

Around one in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, and could be spreading the disease without knowing it, so residents are being urged to make use of the new test sites to help fight the spread of the virus.

The centres enable people to conduct free lateral tests taking less than 30 minutes to complete.

So far, 1,563 swabs have been taken across the sites - all of which tested negative for COVID.

Leif Marriner, a trading assistant, said taking the test was "easy and painless, and done within minutes."

He added:

"I took a COVID test today to protect my family, work colleagues and most importantly the public.

"One in three people show no symptoms - identifying those will help stop the spread. I totally recommend the test so together we can stamp out COVID."

Simon Cant, landlord of The Castle Inn, in Newport, and The Vine Inn, in St Helens, said:

"While the pubs are closed I'm working for the Royal Mail delivering parcels.

"I've come for a test to make sure I'm keeping people safe when delivering - and my work colleagues safe. The is not painful - get tested, keep calm and carry on Britain!"

The centres are at County Hall, Newport, The Heights, Sandown, Westridge Centre, Ryde, the Community Hall of Yarmouth and District, Yarmouth, and the Isle of Wight Community Club, Cowes. People can book a test via our Keep the Island safe website.

Those with COVID-19 symptoms should not use these sites but instead call 119 or visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test  

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