Free Covid tests in South Molton

You might have seen the Covid-19 ‘community testing’ vans parked in South Molton recently, and Molton Monthly can take you behind the scenes this month to explain what they’re doing.

“We want everyone to feel safe when they leave their home, while taking the necessary precautions when out and about,” said supervisor Johnny Thornton. “That’s why we’re encouraging all adults in Devon to include regular rapid lateral flow testing as part of their weekly routine. It’s free, painless and results are back within the hour.”

Devon County Council have mobile vans which move around the area offering testing to people without symptoms of Covid-19. This service is available for anyone 18 and over that doesn’t have access to workplace testing, and they are offering two tests per week in line with the government recommendations.

You can also collect packs of home testing kits from the staff in the vans, which are parked in South Molton on Tuesdays 11 - 2.30pm and Fridays 3.30 to 7pm.

A sample being processed in South Molton

The van alternates between The Square and Central Car Park. Any changes to times or days for the testing team will be updated on their website: devon.cc/flow

Lateral flow tests are only for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone displaying any of the main Coronavirus symptoms must still book a PCR test online: gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Covid case rates throughout Devon remain low, but with restrictions lifting and socialising returning, health experts say now is the time to take regular tests to help break the chain of transmission.

Meanwhile more than one million Covid-19 vaccination doses were given in Devon between December 8th and May 2nd, and 7 out of 10 adults have had their first dose.

Photo: Karolina Andreasova

Devon County Council’s community testing team visits South Molton twice a week