Free rapid COVID-19 tests coming to Rochdale for people without symptoms

The Find And Stop Transmission (FAST) testing programme is being used to help detect and fight COVID-19 – and now roving testing sites are coming to various community locations across Rochdale.

Using lateral flow tests, the programme is only for people showing no symptoms. The tests are free.

The aim of the testing is to find people in the community who may have the deadly virus but are showing no symptoms.

It is estimated that one in three people with COVID-19 show no symptoms.

The pop-up sites can be attended by anyone locally who is showing no symptoms.

The initial sites announced are:

Wednesday 17th February – Stanycliffe Community Centre, 11am to 6pm.

Thursday 18th February – Smallbridge Library, 11am to 6pm.

Friday 19th February – Castlemere Community Centre, 12noon – 6pm.

Saturday 20th February – Spotland Library, 10am – 4pm.

Further sites and dates across the borough will be announced in due course.

“We hope that people come along to these sites when they are in their area,” said Councillor Daalat Ali (pictured), cabinet member for public health.

“If they are well used then we can bring them to communities on a regular basis.

“Our FAST testing sites have been finding positive cases from people who had no symptoms so this facility is a really useful tool in our fight against COVID-19 and we’re really grateful to everyone who has been taking up regular FAST Testing.” 

FAST Testing remains available at the four main sites in the borough: Hare Hill Bowling Club, Littleborough; Bowlee Sports Centre, Middleton; Nye Bevan, Rochdale; and Heywood Sports Village.

Those sites are open 8am – 7pm on weekdays and 10am – 4pm at weekends.

They are for anyone without symptoms and there is no need to book.

It is still important to get tested even if you’ve had your first vaccine as you may still be able to carry the virus and pass it on to others.

For more information on FAST Testing, visit rochdale.gov.uk/FastTesting.