THURROCK Council issued a call this afternoon for all parents and carers of children aged 11 to 18 in the borough to get their whole family tested for COVID-19 before Christmas.

Earlier today (Friday, 11 December) Thurrock Nub News reported on the rising concern over Covid-19 levels in Thurrock that could well tip the borough into Tier Three restrictions next week and advice from the government that all secondary schoolchildren should be tested.

This evening Thurrock Council issued the following statement: "Whether you have symptoms or not, you should book a slot to visit one of the drive through testing centres in Thurrock. If you are unable to visit a drive through site, a postal test kit can be sent to your home for you to do yourself.

"Both can be arranged via the national booking system which can be accessed here.

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill said: "I'm urging parents and carers of every child aged 11 to 18 in Thurrock to please get a test as soon as possible at one of our local testing sites or online. We hope to test as many people as we can as testing of children aged 11 to 18 and their families, whether they have symptoms or not, is our best defence against further spread of the virus within our communities.

"With many of us having plans to spend time with relatives over the Christmas period, getting tested is the best way that you can protect vulnerable family members. If you do receive a positive test result you must then self-isolate to protect others. You must play your part and do the right thing to halt the spread of Coronavirus – get tested before Christmas.

"Although we didn't get the original number of test sites promised we are working very hard with government and Public Health England to identify and bring forward more sites across the borough that meet the national guidelines."

The council went on to add: "The opportunity to access a drive through test is open to all family members of children aged 11 to 18 and all secondary schools have been written to today with this information. Please do not book a test if you have had a positive test result in the last 90 days, as it may still show a positive result."

And Cllr Gledhill concluded: "Rates of COVID-19 are rising most quickly in those aged 11 to 18 in Thurrock, which is why this age group and their families are being prioritised for testing. Testing will be opened up to other age groups and the wider community at a future date. But if you are going for a test or not you must remember to practice hands, face, space and socially distance where possible."

You can find out more including how to book a test here.