SIX additional Covid-19 testing sites have been opened across Cumbria, bringing the total up to 11.

Essential workers who cannot work from home can now access the COVID-19 rapid result lateral flow test at new test centres in Barrow in Furness, Dalton, Milnthorpe, Sedburgh, Workington and Whitehaven.

The lateral flow test provides a result in just 30 minutes, and can help identify asymptomatic carriers.

The testing sites are open to any essential workers who cannot work from home and come into regular contact with other people through their job, and who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. The tests are free and no booking is required.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said:

 “Mass Lateral Flow Testing of those without symptoms is a key part of the strategy for preventing the spread of Covid and getting us out of lockdown.

 “With these additional 6 sites announced this week, we now have eleven sites up and running.

"Opening times will be reviewed based on demand for testing and more sites are also being scoped as possibilities.

"People who want to access rapid testing have a range of options to choose from. It’s quick and simple and gives people the reassurance that they are not unwittingly infecting other people as they go about their work.

 “I’d strongly encourage those essential workers who are unable to work from home, cannot be tested in the workplace and are in regular contact with other people to make use of the new community testing sites.”

The tests a major element of Cumbria’s strategy to battle COVID-19 and quickly becoming a routine part of many people’s working lives, with thousands having a test every week.

However, not all employers are able to provide the testing themselves, which is where the county’s community testing sites come in.

People who do have symptoms of coronavirus should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.