Parts of Mansfield and Worksop chosen for mass asymptomatic testing plan

Using rapid result test kits, the three-month trial is set to launch in the two Nottinghamshire towns within the next few weeks.

The Bellamy Road, Ladybrook and Oak Tree areas in Mansfield along with Manton and Sandy Lane in Worksop have been chosen to benefit from the scheme first.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire County Council, said these communities have been identified as they have a high proportion of working age residents and those who are unable to work from home.

The government has said that one in three people contract Covid-19 without displaying any symptoms.

It is hoped expanding asymptomatic testing will identify more positive cases of coronavirus and ensure those infected isolate, protecting vital services and those unable to work from home.

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“We are pleased to learn that our bid to introduce targeted community testing using rapid testing kits known as lateral flow tests has been approved by the government,” added Mr Gribbin.

"We can now press ahead with plans to pilot asymptomatic testing to strengthen arrangements for test, trace and isolate in Nottinghamshire.

"We plan to have the infrastructure and arrangements in place to deliver this starting week beginning January 25 in Mansfield, and from early February for Worksop.

"The pilot is expected to last for three months and will involve people being tested once a week."

It comes after it was confirmed Hyson Green and Forest Fields have been selected as venues for new community asymptomatic mass testing facilities in Nottingham.

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