'Never been more important to get Covid test' says Hartlepool health chief

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said the new variant is spreading at an ‘alarming rate’ and is 50%-70% more easily passed from person to person.

He therefore said it was vital to book a test as soon as someone develops one or more coronavirus symptoms including a new continuous cough, high temperature and loss of or change to your sense of taste or smell.

Mr Blundred said: “As we’ve said before, we’d much rather you booked a test immediately even if it then comes back negative, than adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach for a day or two, because during that time if you do have the virus you could very well be spreading it to other people and you could also become more poorly yourself.”

Related story: Council calls for more testing facilities in south of the town

Tests are available in Hartlepool at weekends as well as during the week.

A mobile drive-through testing site operates from the Hartlepool Waterfront site (former Jackson’s Landing) and at walk-through facilities in Grayfields car park off Jesmond Gardens and Headland Town Square.

However, tests must be booked in advance by going online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

The local authority says the Government’s booking system releases appointment slots throughout the day, so if people can’t get one close to their home straight away to try again later in the day. Home testing kits can also be ordered.

The council also reminds that If someone in a household starts to have symptoms, that person must get tested and the rest of their household must self-isolate while the person waits for their results.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool council leaders are asking for people’s Covid-related questions for an online broadcast.

Council Leader Shane Moore, Managing Director Denise McGuckin and Craig Blundred will answer them on the council’s Facebook page and Twitter account from 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 13.

People are asked to please submit their questions by midnight on Sunday, January 10, by email to [email protected] or via the council’s social media platforms.

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