Covid-19 rapid testing to begin in Peterborough

MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow said Peterborough City Council is beginning the invite-only testing in two targeted areas, covering 1,000 households.

Tests will be carried out at St Mark’s Church hall in Lincoln Road and Stafford Hall in Hampton Court.

Mr Bristow said: “Please do participate if asked and book an appointment using the information on the invitation.”

The rapid flow tests are being introduced as a response to the growing infection rate in Peterborough, which saw the city moved into Tier 3 then Tier 4.

Peterborough’s director of public health Dr Liz Robin has said the city’s rise in Covid cases may be linked to the new variant of the virus and urged residents to take extra care with precautions.

Mr Bristow, writing on his Facebook page, added: “This is an incredibly difficult time. Peterborough moved to Tier 3 and then Tier 4 within 24 hours. So many families have been forced to change their plans for Christmas, my own included.

“I am so sorry for the pain this will cause.

“While this wasn’t my decision, and I was sceptical about some of the previous restrictions, and even voted against the regulations for Tiers 1-3, a new variant of Coronavirus is spreading fast. Our city’s rate is now above 300 cases per 100,000 people - above the regional and national average.

“This cannot be disregarded.

“It is also impossible to ignore the impact on Peterborough City Hospital. The capacity constraints within the NHS are real, which the sight of ambulances queuing in recent days has confirmed.

“As Peterborough’s MP, I have three main messages:

“(1) Our city’s cases have been below average for most of the pandemic. We have done well, thanks in no small part to people following the rules. This spike in numbers is in part due to the new variant of COVID-19, which is far more contagious – although not, it seems, any more or less dangerous when caught. Local people in Peterborough are not at fault for the spike and this new strain of virus.

“(2) The closure of non-essential shops will have an impact on many businesses. The Government and Peterborough City Council do have schemes available to help. Please check this support if you are affected, because not all of the grants and other support has been claimed. Likewise, we can all use ‘click and collect’ to support local businesses where possible.

“(3) For some, things feel bleak and the news will be a big blow to many. The consequences for our mental health cannot be ignored. I want people who suffer over this holiday period to know that you are not alone. If you need to talk to someone, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Lifeline is open from 11am to 11pm every day on freephone 0808 808 2121.

“We will get through this, together. The UK vaccination programme still offers us a route back to normality next year, which this new strain doesn’t change. When you get your own invitation to be vaccinated, you can do your bit for us all.

“I will get my jab with pride. When the impact of the vaccines is combined with rapid testing, we have solid reasons for optimism about the future.

“This Christmas is not the one I wanted or planned. It’s not the Christmas that our city deserved, after all our efforts over the course of this year. Yet it can still be a Christmas where we have hope.

“Good things are still going to happen in our City. 2021 and beyond is our time - the time when Peterborough reaches its potential and we make the decisions that will guarantee our health, wealth and happiness. We will build back better!”