News MBC encourages people to get tested before getting together to watch football
As cases of COVID-19 are on the increase in Maidstone, Maidstone Borough Council is appealing for residents and visitors before they get together to watch the football, to get tested to help stop the spread.
Over the last seven days there has been a 49% increase in cases from the previous week - 60% of these are people aged under 29. The increase is being driven by outbreaks in schools and meeting to watch football in bars and pubs.
Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, 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.
“Testing is available at Sessions House in the town centre this weekend ahead of the England game on Saturday. You can also do a test in your own time which can be picked up at your local chemist. Please take full advantage of these.”
MBC is also reminding people to check into a venue using the QR code or by registering their details with the premises.
For anyone who currently has any of these three COVID-19 symptoms, please get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible, do NOT visit a symptom free testing site and continue to self-isolate.
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
You can book a test by visiting the gov.uk website https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Testing is available in the Kent County Council head office at Sessions House,
County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ during the following times:
- Monday – 9am-2pm
- Tuesday – 9am-2pm
- Wednesday – 2pm-7pm
- Thursday – 9am-2pm
- Friday – 9am – 7pm
- Saturday – 9am – 2pm
- Sunday – 9am – 7pm
Home testing lateral flow kits are widely available in pharmacies and can be ordered through the online portal here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests