Football fans in Kent planning on meeting up with family and friends to watch tonight's England match have been urged to take a Covid test.

Kent County Council (KCC) is encouraging as many people as possible to get tested before, and after, the Euros semi-final against Denmark.

KCC cabinet member for public health Cllr Clair Bell said: “We are all really excited to watch England versus Denmark and after a tough year it’s great to have a sporting occasion like this to lift everyone’s spirits.

“However, gathering with lots of people we haven’t been around for a long time does increase the risk of catching Covid-19 and we must remember to keep protecting our loved ones as much as possible.

“Our advice is to get a test regularly, go to your local pharmacy, order home test kits or visit one of our testing stations in Maidstone and Ashford that will be open 9am-7pm today.

“By testing regularly we can ensure we stay on top of case numbers that continue to rise across the county.

"It also reduces the pressure on our NHS services at a time when they are so busy treating as many non-Covid patients as possible and resuming routine surgeries and appointments as quickly as they can.

“I urge everyone to enjoy the game, but be responsible, wear a mask, keep your distance and make sure it’s football coming home, not coronavirus.”

Kent interim director of public health Allison Duggal added: “Testing is so important. It gives us a real understanding about what is happening in communities, and immediately allows us to get ahead of any outbreaks or clusters that we see and to take action to isolate those cases.

“That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.”

Last week, Maidstone Borough Council appealed to fans to get tested for coronavirus before gathering to watch the football.

Council leader Cllr David Burton said: “We are encouraging as many people as possible to take a test and then self-isolate if it comes back as positive to help slow down this worrying increase in Maidstone.

“As it is so very closely linked with groups getting together in pubs to watch the football we are urging anyone planning on watching the game in a public place to take a test beforehand.

“We are not trying to spoil people’s enjoyment. Have fun but don’t put yourself and others at risk.

“We need to continue to protect the elderly and vulnerable as we have seen a 21% increase in cases in the borough in people over-60 which is a real concern."

Anyone with symptoms of Covid – high temperature, new cough and a loss of smell or taste – should arrange for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test as soon as possible by clicking here, or calling 119.

To find out more details about symptom-free testing click here.

Most community pharmacies in Kent have joined the collect scheme for COVID-19 tests.

For more information on where to get lateral flow tests, including community pharmacies, click the Test and Trace website here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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