Symptomless Covid tests in Medway find 900 people with virus
15:41, 08 January 2021
updated: 16:37, 08 January 2021
In the month since it was launched, symptomless testing in Medway has found almost 900 people living with Covid without knowing.
Latest council figures from Thursday evening show out of 41,836 tests, 867 people were identified - which equates to 2.07% .
These people were told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace so they couldn't spread the virus.
Meanwhile, a fifth symptom-free testing centre was opened in the Medway Towns this week.
On Wednesday, council staff set up a site at Medway Park Leisure Centre, Gillingham, which is currently closed for sports activities.
It joins existing centres at The Oast in Rainham, Chattenden Community Centre in Hoo, the Deep End in Chatham and Rochester Cathedral.
The council has also organised temporary pop-up testing sites at schools and at Priestfield Stadium in Gillingham.
The symptom-free testing centres are being prioritised for critical workers, who are encouraged to continue booking.
Medway has contacted organisations of critical workers to give them details on how to book.
The testing was launched at beginning of December when a special military unit arrived to help the council.
In the last seven days, more than 3,000 people in Medway have tested positive for Covid.
The number of deaths in Medway hospital has also now passed the 500 mark.
Anyone with symptoms should and access a test through the national symptomatic testing programme.
