Mid and East Antrim to support expansion of asymptomatic testing programme sites
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The council has given approval for the completion of a registration process as requested by the Department of Health and agreed to support the opening of assisted testing sites across the borough during a discussion which took place behind closed doors.
Asymptomatic testing is performed using a rapid Lateral Flow Device (LFD) that detects a protein produced by the virus at its most infectious stage. If present in a sample, a coloured line appears on the device after 15-30 minutes.
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Hide AdThese tests should only be used by those who have no symptoms of Covid.
Anyone displaying symptoms of Covid-19 should have a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at a test centre, or order one to be delivered to their home.
Alliance representatives East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson and Larne Lough Councillor Danny Donnelly have urged Health Minister Robin Swann to open a Covid-19 test facility in Larne.
In a statement, Cllr Donnelly said: : “I have been contacted by a large number of constituents from Larne who have expressed their concern that the town is without a Covid-19 testing facility.
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Hide Ad“As it is vitally important that anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms is tested, both for their own protection, and for those around them, we have raised the issue with the Department for Health.
“Whilst we appreciate that people can order lateral flow kits and some testing facilities are not too far away, Larne is a large enough town to merit a facility of its own and making testing as easy as possible for local residents must be recognised as hugely desirable and worthy of prioritisation.”
Mr Dickson added: “At present, those residing in Larne have to travel to either Ballymena or Carrickfergus to obtain a test. This is far from ideal as many individuals do not own private cars and cannot take public transport fo