Community vans are taking to the road across Rutland and Leicestershire to make it even easier for people without symptoms to get tested for covid, collect home test kits and seek advice from professionals.

Three mobile vans, which are being operated by Leicestershire County Council, are travelling across the county over the next few months visiting everywhere from parks and community events to markets and fairs - all in a bid to keep communities safe and doing the things they love.

One or more of the vans were due at Rutland Water today between 9am and 5pm.

Each is staffed with trained team members who will be on hand to carry out rapid flow tests for those without symptoms, give out home testing kits and provide guidance for those looking for support with vaccination queries and self-isolation advice.

Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health at Leicestershire County Council, said: "We're really pleased to launch the mobile vans and get out into communities so that testing, kits and information are even more accessible.

"The vaccination programme is doing a great job in keeping hospital admissions down, but everyone has a part to play in keeping it that way - and regular testing is one of the most effective ways to stem the spread."

Home tests can be picked up for free from libraries, leisure centres, community venues and pharmacies across Leicestershire. and Rutland.

Home test kits are already readily available at places like libraries, leisure centres and pharmacies and by introducing the community vans, people will be able to take a quick and easy test on-site and get a result in 30 minutes.

If you are a community group, business or you are hosting an event and would like a community van to come along, get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected]

Mike added: "Although the community vans are a great asset to Leicestershire, we want to stress that it's important that if you do have symptoms of COVID-19, you do not visit a van but self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test online, or by calling 119. The vans are for those without symptoms only."

Leicestershire County Council is working with NHS Test and Trace teams, district councils and community volunteers to help deliver this initiative.

Further details of other visits can be found here.