UPDATED: "Go and get tested if you have symptoms" urge county chiefs as Covid-19 infections continue to rise in Northamptonshire

Appointments for mobile testing in Northampton and Kettering now available to book
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Northamptonshire residents are being urged to take up Covid-19 testing spots in the county this weekend as the rise in victims continues to outpace other areas of the country.

Latest figures released on Sunday (June 7) showed 565 people are now known to have died in Northamptonshire's two main hospitals and county care homes since March 16 — around a third of the number of positive tests during the pandemic.

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NHS data showed four more deaths reported, one Northampton General and three at Kettering General Hospital, taking the total at the two sites to 446 when figures were collated at 5pm on Saturday.

A further 119 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in care homes up to last Friday, May 29, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Mobile Covid-19 testing stations have been set up in Northampton until tomorrow.

Those with coronavirus symptoms — new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in their sense of taste or smell — can book tests via the Government website.

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More than 200 slots are available in Northampton for non-essential workers with one of these symptoms.

Two mobile Covid-19 testing stations are in Northamptonshire this weekend. Photo: Getty ImagesTwo mobile Covid-19 testing stations are in Northamptonshire this weekend. Photo: Getty Images
Two mobile Covid-19 testing stations are in Northamptonshire this weekend. Photo: Getty Images

Northampton Borough Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said; “Testing is a vital part of tackling this dreadful virus and the Covid-19 Mobile Testing Units, which are available in Kettering and Northampton respectively over the coming days, will provide residents who are experiencing symptoms with the opportunity to be tested locally.

“Tests are available by appointment only to anyone who is symptomatic. Once you have booked you will be given the location of the testing site and details of how to get there.”

Lucy Wightman, director of public health for Northamptonshire, added: "Locally we are continuing to see new cases, hospitalisations and, sadly, deaths from Covid-19.

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“The people of Northamptonshire have been fantastic in the way that they have embraced social distancing and followed government and health advice so far.

"But it’s clear that we all must remain focused on playing our own part to stop the spread of coronavirus — stay at home as much as possible and limit contact with other people, remaining at least two metres away from people outside your own household. And continue to wash your hands regularly."

Fifteen fresh Covid-19 infections were reported in Northamptonshire by testing labs over the weekend, taking the total to 1,571 since the pandemic first hit the county on March 3.