With infection rates remaining high, people who live or work in Wolverhampton are reminded to keep having a twice weekly rapid Covid-19 test to protect themselves and others around them.

In the last 7 days, 976 people in the city tested positive for coronavirus, equivalent to 371 cases per 100,000 people.
  
The true number of cases is likely to be higher still, as a third of people with Covid-19 do not have any symptoms and so, to monitor and control the spread of the virus, people without symptoms are urged to take a rapid Covid-19 test twice a week. 
 
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Despite restriction easing last week, Covid has not gone away. We are seeing high numbers of positive cases across the city and nationally, and these are expected to rise further as the potential impact of the unlocking of restrictions may not have yet been felt. 
 
“Even after full vaccination there is still the possibility that you may be infected with Covid-19. With 1 in 3 cases not showing any symptoms but still able to pass it on to others, it is important that we all keep testing regularly in order to protect the people around us.” 
 
Rapid test for people without symptoms of Covid-19 are free and can be picked up from locations across the city or ordered online for home delivery. Rapid test site at the Civic Centre, the Jamia Masjid Bilal and the Hub at Ashmore Park Hub also offer free testing onsite without needing an appointment. Details of rapid test collection sites and how to order kits online is available at Lateral Flow Home Test Kits. 
 
Councillor Jaspal added: “Rapid testing is free and is the best way to be sure that you are not unknowingly carrying Covid-19, which you could then pass on to other people. Regular testing not only keeps us safe; it helps to protect our whole city too.” 
 
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, such as a new and continuous cough, fever or loss of smell of taste, should self isolate and book a PCR test online at GOV.UK or by calling NHS 119.