Covid testing keeping up with demand on Isle of Wight

Anyone who needs a test should be able to access one, is the message.

Although there has been a sharp rise in the amount of people contracting the virus on the Isle of Wight in the past week, officials have confirmed the local testing centre is keeping up with demand.

The centre was originally set up at Medina but was moved to Newclose, on Blackwater Road, in August.

Site of the Covid testing facility at Newclose Cricket Club.

A department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told the County Press on Christmas Eve: “NHS Test and Trace continues to test record numbers of people and people can have confidence that if they have symptoms and need a test, they can get one.

“Nationally, we are delivering an unprecedent volume of tests – more than 450,000 yesterday alone — and during periods of high demand our focus is ensuring that anyone with symptoms can get a test.

"All our test sites and our home test service will be available for bookings as normal over the Christmas period.”

The Isle of Wight Council has said it is preparing for outbreaks of Covid in businesses and community settings.

A spokesperson said: "Rates of infection are on the rise, so we expect notifications of outbreaks or clusters of confirmed cases in both community settings and businesses.

"With our partners, the Isle of Wight Council has got procedures ready as part of our joint outbreak control plan.

"We are ready to act quickly and help prevent further spread as soon as any outbreak is discovered."

If you have symptoms you must self-isolate and arrange for a test, either by calling 119 or through a home test booking via gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test