A COVID-19 Self-Testing pilot programme launched by a Government-backed rapid testing programme at the Stanborough Park Seventh day Adventist Church, working in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, is making regular testing available to anyone in the local community.
The British Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventists are committed to setting up collection points throughout their network of churches and has already rolled out in Leicester with positive feedback.
The Government-backed rapid testing programme at the Stanborough Park Church on St. Albans Road is helping the local community to stay safe by offering regular testing services. With over 1,400 tests delivered, the community can hope to continue to worship safely in the coming months.
Around one in three people who are infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so could be spreading the disease without knowing it, so each positive result from a rapid test is one that would not have been found otherwise, helping to break the chains of transmission.
Rapid testing using lateral flow tests can return results within 30 minutes and can provide the community with reassurance that they are not infectious or enabling them to isolate immediately if they were to test positive.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said “We have already come so far since launching a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to combat COVID-19 and we encourage everyone in local communities to take up the offer of free testing so we can quickly squash any outbreaks. Testing is vital to the health and protection of our family, friends and those we worship with, as it allows cases to be caught early before they spread, and I am delighted that the rapid testing programme at the Stanborough Park Seventh Day Adventist Church is working with us to help target the virus locally and keep people safe."
Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency Jenny Harries said “The innovation and evolution of NHS Test and Trace continues to improve our detection of positive cases and I am incredibly proud of the speed at which we have been able to roll out these initiatives in a local communities to protect more people even more quickly. This is a national effort and partnerships like this locally are instrumental in our response to this virus."
Dean Russell, Watford’s MP said “I am pleased that Watford has been chosen for this important testing pilot. Regular testing plays a big part in helping us get back to normal as we enter the summer months. I am grateful to the Stanborough Park Seventh Day Adventist Church for their part in helping bring our whole community together across Watford.
"Throughout the pandemic our town has come together as one community to support each other and this is yet another example of us working together to lead our way out of lockdown”
Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council Jim McManus said “Having a national programme like this being piloted within one of Hertfordshire’s places of worship is great. Getting into the habit of regular testing, as well as following the basics of hands, face, space and fresh air will play a key role in helping us move along the Government’s roadmap and towards the summer we’re all hoping for."
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said “It’s fantastic to have Watford’s Seventh Day Adventists Church proactively taking part in a pilot which will play a big role in helping to protect our community. Testing is an important tool to help combat the spread of the virus and it is a simple action we can all take in order to safeguard others."
