New COVID-19 testing ‘collect and drop-off’ point to open in Leigh

December 17, 2020

A new COVID-19 testing ‘collect and drop off’ point is opening in Leigh-on-Sea tomorrow (Friday 18 December), for people without symptoms.

The first site will be open from 9am to 3pm in front of Leigh-on-Sea community centre (Leigh Town Council offices) in Elm Road. It is hope that another site in the east of the Borough will open early next week. The sites will be staffed by Council and Southend Care employees and local volunteers.

Residents will be able to pick up a home testing kit from 9am, do their swabbing test in private (facilities not available on site), register it online (https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/register-home-test), and then return the kit back to the collection point by 3pm, where it will be sent directly to the laboratory via courier.

People with symptoms should book another local test centre via the national system.

Cllr Trevor Harp, cabinet member for adult social care and health, says: “I am very pleased to announce another addition to testing capacity locally.

“Getting people tested without symptoms is key in our fight against Coronavirus and will be key to reducing the rate of transmission locally and eventually stepping down into lower restrictions.

“Once people have done and registered their kit, I would urge people to return it to the collection point, as that will be the quickest way to get a result, as we have organised a courier to deliver the kits directly to the laboratory.

“I know some people will be anxious not to get a test so close to Christmas, particularly if they have no symptoms, but please do get a test and help us get on top of the rising rates in our community.”

Leigh Town Council is located at 71-73 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SP.