High Peak residents are still being urged to get regularly tested for Covid-19 - even if they are not experiencing any symptoms - to help stop the spread of the virus.

Extra testing sites have been set up in Glossopdale, with residents encouraged to continue to get tested twice a week. 

PCR tests – which are sent to a laboratory for analysis – will be available this week at:

• Geoffrey Allen Centre (car park), Winster Mews, Gamesley. 9am to 5pm from Monday to Wednesday. No appointment necessary. 
• Redgra area, Fauvel Road, Glossop. 9am to 5pm from Thursday until Sunday 27 June. Book a test online. 

The PCR test is the most reliable test for COVID-19 and is done by taking a swab of the throat and nose. Children under 11 should be helped by an adult. Results are usually returned within one to two days. 

Meanwhile, there are also two sites in the borough where people can get a rapid lateral flow test and receive the result around 30-40 minutes afterwards. 

One is based in Glossop - next to the Army Cadet building off Fauvel Road. It's open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and is set to be in place until at least Friday (25 June). 

There is also a test site opposite the swimming pool at Pavilion Gardens, on St John's Road in Buxton. It's open on Fridays from 9am to 5pm, and at weekends up to and including Sunday (27 June) from 10am to 2pm. 

Alternatively, people can pick up free testing kits from a local pharmacy or order rapid testing kits to be delivered to their home. For more information, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/communitytesting. 

Anyone with any of the three main symptoms of Covid – a high temperature, new, continuous cough and a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste – should self-isolate immediately. They should not leave the house and book a test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or ring NHS 119.

Derbyshire's Director of Public Health Dean Wallace is calling on residents and people who work in the area to remain cautious, continue to get tested and have the vaccine when it's their turn - particularly as coronavirus cases continue to rise, including the Delta variant which spreads more easily.

In the two weeks up to 11 June, there were 129 cases of coronavirus in the High Peak - the most of any district in Derbyshire. 

Mr Wallace said: "There is currently no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness and the vaccines continue to be highly effective against them but they do spread more easily – which is why we need everyone to be extra vigilant.

"I'd also urge everyone to continue to wear face masks where required unless you are exempt, to keep on washing your hands regularly and keep two metres away from anyone not in your household.

"We’ve come so far in our fight against this pandemic and the vaccine has been a real turning point, but this is a timely reminder that Covid hasn’t gone away and we still need to take precautions to protect those we love from this illness – especially those not yet vaccinated.

"Thanks to everyone for continuing to follow the guidance and get tested regularly to help stop the spread. I’d urge everyone throughout Derbyshire to keep going and use your judgement to keep everyone safe." 

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