Symptom-free testing has been opened up to everyone who lives and works in Medway.

With five testing centres now up and running, all residents in Medway can now book a symptom-free test providing they do not have any symptoms of coronavirus.

It is recommended that people leaving home for essential reasons within government guidelines - such as for work, medical trips and shopping for basic necessities - take advantage of the service. It is important to book regular symptom-free tests every two weeks.

On Saturday, December, 5, Medway was the first area in the south east to launch symptom-free testing.

It was initially available to critical workers and residents living in areas with the highest infection rates across Medway, but has gradually been rolled out to more areas.

More recently, Medway’s symptom-free testing centres have been prioritised for those unable to work from home during the national lockdown.

This was to help protect the people they were supporting and working with, as well as themselves and their family.

One in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, meaning someone could be highly infectious without knowing it.

Medway’s testing programme has shown the importance of this type of testing.

In the first six weeks, 52,735 symptom-free tests have been carried out, with 994 people testing positive for coronavirus.

They were immediately told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace programme, helping to protect the people around them.

Medway’s rate has started to reduce, but it is still high and the symptom-free testing programme is just one of the tools in the fight against coronavirus.

James Williams, director of Public Health at Medway Council, said it was important people signed up.

He said: “Medway’s coronavirus rate of infection has started to reduce, but it is still high.

"You can help join the fight against coronavirus as well as protect your loved ones by having a symptom-free test.

"Our symptom-free testing centres are now open to everyone who lives and works in Medway and needs to leave home for an essential reason within the government’s guidelines.

"We all need to work together to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”

Anyone who lives or works in Medway and does not have symptoms can regularly book a symptom-free test at one of five testing centres. They are at Medway Park in Gillingham, the Oast in Rainham, Chattenden Community Centre in Hoo, the Deep End in Chatham and Rochester Cathedral.

It involves a quick swab of the mouth and nose which you can do yourself, before immediately returning home and awaiting your test result which will be sent to you by email or text within an hour.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are, a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

If you have any of these symptoms, do not attend a symptom-free testing centre.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you should self-isolate and book a test through the national NHS testing programme.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “We have been gradually rolling out symptom-free testing to more residents since this new type of testing was launched in Medway six weeks ago.

"I am pleased all of Medway’s residents are now able to book a symptom-free test.

"I would encourage those who are leaving their homes for essential reasons to book a test to help protect them, their families and colleagues they work with from this deadly virus.

"It remains vital that we all continue to follow the latest government advice to reduce the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and help save lives.”

Book a symptom-free test here.

Read the latest government restrictions here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway