THURROCK Council is urging all those who are still attending a workplace to get a free COVID-19 test as soon as possible, even if they do not have any symptoms.

From tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 January) testing kits will be available to pick up at East Tilbury library, Chadwell library and Belhus library. Testing for those without symptoms will also be available at drive through test sites in Corringham, Tilbury and Grays.

Leader of Thurrock Council Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "With rates of coronavirus in Thurrock remaining some of the highest in the country, Covid-19 testing is now being made available to all those who still cannot work from home.

"As many as one in three people who have the virus do not display any symptoms, so it's critically important that those who are still out in our communities and unable to work from home get a test as soon as possible. This way, we can help to lower the spread of the virus in our borough as those who test positive can immediately self-isolate and not continue to unwittingly pass the virus to those they come into contact with.

"Along with increased testing, the best tool we have to combat the spread of this new, far more infectious strain of COVID-19 is to continue to follow the government guidance to 'stay at home' and only leave the house if absolutely essential. Everyone must take great care if they do leave their house to keep a full two metres from every other person, wear a face covering where required to do so and wash their hands very often.

"People should always immediately self-isolate if they get any symptoms of COVID-19, are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace, or have received a positive test result."

East Tilbury, Chadwell and Belhus libraries will be open to pick up and drop off tests from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 4pm at weekends. These libraries will only be open for this purpose and no library services will be available, such as the return of books or use of computers.

You do not need to make an appointment to pick up a test kit or to drop it back at the libraries. For the drive through test centres, you need to book an appointment online. More details are available via this link.