Here's where you can get tested for Covid-19 in Northamptonshire this weekend

County residents can be tested for Covid-19 at sites across Northamptonshire this weekend as the nation's battle with the virus continues.

Testing sites are in place in Corby, Kettering and Northampton today (August 1) and tomorrow (August 2) with health chiefs closely monitoring infection rates after a spike in positive tests.

Walk-in sites can be found in Northampton's Market Square and Kettering's London Road car park.

Drive-thru and walk-in testing sites will also be in Kettering's Wadcroft car park in Commercial Road and Victoria Place in Corby with fears of local lockdowns.

Anyone experiencing any of the following coronavirus symptoms, however mild, should isolate at home with the rest of their household and book a test:

- New, continuous cough

- High temperature

- Loss or change in sense of smell or taste

Tests can be booked online at nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. People who test positive for Covid-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify the people they’ve recently been in contact with so they can be alerted. Anyone who has had close recent contact with someone with coronavirus must then self-isolate for 14 days, if they are advised to do so by the NHS test and trace service, to help contain the spread of infection.

Public Health England has told Northampton residents to limit contact with others from outside their own households, especially indoors, avoid car-sharing and public transport without face masks and not to share items with anyone outside of your 'bubble'.

Corby and Kettering are also on alert and Wellingborough is being closely monitored.

Sports events with more than two teams have been banned in Northamptonshire for a fortnight in a bid to slow the killer bug's spread.

Speaking on the risk of a local lockdown, like the one seen in nearby Leicester, Northamptonshire's director of public health Lucy Wightman said: "No-one wants to see those measures re-introduced.

"The virus is not going away any time soon and we have to take this advice seriously.

“It is also essential that if you experience symptoms of coronavirus, you book a test."

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