Plans are being finalised for a COVID-19 testing centre in Rutland that will offer regular tests to people who are unable to work from home and have no COVID symptoms.

The UK Government is expanding its programme of Lateral Flow Device testing across the country. The aim is to identify more positive cases of COVID-19 and make sure people with the virus then isolate. This programme is crucial as one in three people have coronavirus without showing any symptoms.

Lateral flow antigen tests (known as LFD) require a simple swab from the nostril and throat and are self-administered.

Rutland's LFD testing centre is being set up and operated by Rutland County Council. To be eligible for an LFD test at the Rutland testing site, you must meet the following criteria:

· You must live or work in Rutland and cannot work from home during the national lockdown

· You must not have any COVID-19 symptoms- the LFD testing centre is just to identify asymptomatic cases

· You must not beself-isolating– for example because you've had close contact with someone who has tested positive, or have recently returned from abroad

You must not be part of regular asymptomatic testing programmealready

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Rutland's LFD testing centre will be based at Oakham Enterprise Park and is due to open week commencing Monday 22 February. Tests must be booked online in advance by visiting: www.rutland.gov.uk/lfdtesting/. You cannot arrive at the centre without an appointment.

Mike Sandys, Director for Public Health at Rutland County Council, said: "LFD testing is a quick and simple process that can identify people who have COVID-19 but no symptoms. This is extremely important for those who can't work from home and might therefore be spreading the virus without knowing it.

"The new testing centre will be an important part of Rutland's ongoing COVID response. Those who test positive having received an LFD test will need to self-isolate. Those who test negative will still need to follow COVID restrictions when at work and out in public and will be asked to continue to take regular tests."

Mike added: "It must be stressed that Rutland's LFD testing centre is only for people who have no COVID-19 symptoms and cannot work from home during the pandemic. If you have any COVID symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a test through the national GOV.UK website, or by calling 119."

You can find out more about LFD testing and book an appointment at the Rutland testing site by visiting: www.rutland.gov.uk/lfdtesting/.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, continuous cough or change to your sense of smell or taste) should not try to book a test at the Rutland Centre. Those with symptoms mustself-isolate straight away and book a different test through the national GOV.UK websiteor by calling119: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.