Preston City Council are hosting free, asymptomatic Covid-19 testing for everyone at a number of mobile sites across Preston.

Taking these lateral flow, rapid tests at regular intervals provides reassurance to employers, employees, and their customers that businesses and organisations are taking all necessary actions to keep everyone safe.

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Packs of testing kits will also be available to collect for use at home so that households can keep up with regular testing.

Read more: Here is what will change in Preston during step four of the government roadmap

No booking is necessary for these tests, but if your result is positive you must self-isolate.

Regular testing is really important, so you are encouraged to test at home every 3 – 5 days.

Following the discovery of the E484K variant in Preston, people with symptoms of a common cold or headache (as well as the traditional symptoms of Covid-19) may be infected.

If you are feeling unwell or are in doubt, please get tested immediately by calling NHS 119 or booking via the government’s website.

Please note, you must wear a face covering and at busier times there may be a queue. Do not visit a testing site if you are experiencing symptoms – please register via GOV.UK – get a free NHS test to be tested immediately.Here are the mobile testing locations:

Date and time: Monday 19 July, 10am – 4pm

Location: Issa Medical Centre, 73 St Gregory Road, Preston PR1 6YA

Date and time: Wednesday 21 July, 10am – 4pm

Location: St Anthony’s Fulwood, St Anthony’s Drive, Fulwood, Preston PR2 3SQ

Date and time: Friday 23 July, 10am – 4pm

Location: Frenchwood Mosque, Clarendon Street, PR1 3YN

Date and time: Friday 30 July, 10am – 4pm

Location: Sure Start Centre, Ribbleton Hall Drive, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 6EE

The council has been supporting regular testing for a number of months now – firstly at the Guild Hall, moving to the Fishergate Centre and now at various locations as a mobile unit.

These mobile units have both PCR and Lateral Flow tests.

Read more: Prestonians being urged to use their ‘common sense’ as Covid restrictions ease from July 19

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The urge for people to get additional symptomless testing comes as restrictions are set to ease on July 19, despite the fact cases are rising.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said: “We have faced more than a year of fluctuating restrictions, and it has taken a toll on all of us. However, the unfortunate reality is Preston, Lancashire and the UK at large is still in the midst of a pandemic, with infection rates remaining worryingly high.

“It is clear that we must move forward in a way that enables Preston to reopen and our local economy to recover but following key safety procedures. The Director of Public Health for Lancashire, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, continues to advise that we all continue to take personal responsibility for keeping each other safe.

“This means choosing to wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces such as public transport, keeping up a regular hand washing/sanitising routine, giving each other space and letting the fresh air in wherever possible.

“Sadly, it is not over yet and while the virus is still so transmittable and having such an impact on the lives of our families, friends, and communities we all have a role to play.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Do you think restrictions should be easing on July 19? Let us know in the comments below.