Thame Town Council have been made aware of a worrying trend of people turning up at our hospitals in Oxfordshire, asking to be tested for Covid-19. This is possibly as a result of the national issue with testing capacity, where people have struggled to book a test online. They are therefore supporting our NHS and Public Health colleagues in pushing out the extremely important message that people with symptoms must NOT go to a hospital.
Testing does not take place in hospital settings and by turning up people are putting extra strain on resources by having to turn people away and also potentially putting vulnerable people at risk.
The other key message is to only book a test if you’re displaying symptoms. You can book a test by calling 119 or by registering online via gov.uk/getting-tested-for-coronavirus.
Some Covid-19 news from the Local Government Association
The Government has recently announced that the NHS COVID-19 app that is currently being trialled will be launched on Thursday 24 September in England and Wales, following trials in Newham and on the Isle of Wight.
As the app will include the ability to check into venues through a QR code, we are encouraging businesses to ensure they have the NHS QR code posters displayed in a prominent place ahead of the launch. The app will allow contact tracers to track down customers in order to provide public health advice in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses who are already using their own QR system are being encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code.
Venues must also have an alternative check-in method in place to collect the details of any visitors or customers without the app, for example a handwritten register.
