The number of rapid lateral flow test (LFT) kit collection points across Powys is expanding, the county council has said

From Friday 21 January, Powys residents will be able to collect LFT test kits from their local Freedom Leisure Centre. This will add to the list of Powys libraries which are also acting as collection points and currently have a good availability of tests in stock.

To find your nearest collection point, please visit https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others.

Getting tested regularly is one way to know if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps break the chain of transmission and limits the spread of the virus.

LFTs are only for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. If you are over the age of 11 you are encouraged to take tests regularly if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Residents are also encouraged to take an LFT test:

if you are going to be in higher risk situations including spending time in crowded or enclosed spaces
before you visit people who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19
you are travelling to other areas of Wales or the UK

Cllr Beverley Baynham, Powys County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance and Regulatory Services, said: “Ensuring that tests are widely available for our residents to collect is essential in helping to keep Powys safe.

“It’s fantastic to be working in partnership with Freedom Leisure, allowing our residents to collect LFT test kits from even more sites locally, and we would like to thank them for their assistance.”

Gwyn Owen, Area Manager, Freedom Leisure Powys, added “We are delighted to be supporting Powys County Council’s Test, Trace & Protect service and NHS Wales with the distribution and availability of lateral flow test kits across our 13 Powys sport and leisure centres”.