Lateral flow testing for people without coronavirus symptoms is now available for the people of Kenilworth as the first centre in the Warwick district opens

Kenilworth and Warwickshire remain in Tier Three, 'Very High' risk, after the latest government tier announcement, and as such lateral flow testing will continue in the region with the aim of moving the county down the tiers.

The first test centre in the county opened on Tuesday 8 December at Water Orton Community Hall, and the latest centre has opened today (Tuesday, December 22) at the Adult and Community Learning site on Pound Lane in Lillington, Leamington Spa.

Fast-turnaround lateral flow test kits supplied by NHS Test and Trace will be used for testing in a bid to identify undiagnosed cases and stop people 'unwittingly spreading the virus'.

People aged 18 and over without symptoms of Covid-19 are invited to book a test by visiting this website.

The tests are available for booking between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tests will not be available on December 25, December 26, or January 1, and at the time of writing all slots are filled until Saturday, January 2.

The service uses the fast turnaround lateral flow test kits, which can deliver results in around an hour.

Lateral flow antigen tests are a new kind of technology that can be used to test a higher proportion of people without symptoms, better enabling us to identify and isolate more people who are at high likelihood of spreading virus and break the chains of transmission.

Only people without Covid-19 symptoms should book a test. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a change to their sense of taste or smell – must self-isolate and book a test via the government's website or by calling 119 as usual.

The Leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Day said "We can stop the virus in its tracks by getting tested, even if we don't have any coronavirus symptoms. Join me to protect our families and loved ones, by booking a quick and easy test at this new local facility.

"Together we'll have the peace of mind that we're not going to unwittingly pass on COVID-19 this Christmas and will keep our most vulnerable safe through the winter months ahead."

Health Minister Lord Bethell said "We've already come so far since first setting up a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to help counter COVID-19, but we continue to strive to go further, faster.

"Innovations such as lateral flow testing holds the key to the next phase of our ambition to see mass, rapid testing available to people across the country.

"I'm delighted that Warwickshire County Council along with colleagues Warwick District Council are working with us to pilot the latest technology in Leamington and Warwick, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour, both in helping target the virus locally, and helping find ways to roll this technology out further soon."