The Isle of Wight Council’s friendly team of Covid support officers are out and about offering testing kits to residents and encouraging them to test themselves at least twice a week.
Visiting supermarkets and town centres, the aim is to increase the number of people taking rapid response lateral flow tests (LFTs).
Regular testing is an easy way to identify people who don’t have Covid symptoms and who could be spreading the virus without knowing.
Love: 3,400 test kits handed out to residents
Cllr Karl Love, the Cabinet member responsible for public health, said,
“In the past six days our Covid support officers have handed out almost 3,400 test kits to residents as part of our ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
“It’s a brilliant effort taken by this small council’s team of workers who really care about their community and went the extra mile.
“As we enter the winter months, it is vital communities across the Island have access to home testing kits to help keep infection rates down. It’s also important to get a booster vaccination when you are contacted and offered it.
“Of course, testing isn’t the only way we can protect ourselves. Getting vaccinated and remembering hands, face, space, fresh air will all help protect the Island against Covid and other winter illness.”
Handed out in town centres
The Covid support officers will continue the scheme in the busy run-up to Christmas, handing out more home test kits in town centres and at local events.
Josh Taylor, one of the officers, said,
“It’s been great to chat to residents and see how keen they are to play their part.”
For more local Covid information, visit keeptheislandsafe.org
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Josh Taylor, Covid support officer, handing out testing kits outside a local supermarket
