Peterborough mosque to host COVID testing session - including two hours exclusively for women - tomorrow

Residents without symptoms of Covid-19 are being offered the chance to get a PCR test at the Faizan e Madina mosque in Peterborough tomorrow (4th June 2021) to help identify variant cases of the virus early and reduce any spread.

Although the number of identified cases of a variant strain of Covid-19 are low in Peterborough, the city council wants to be proactive in its search for them so that transmission can be reduced. Following the success of similar arrangements last week where non-symptomatic PCR testing was offered at the Cathedral Square, St. Andrew’s Church in Netherton and Hussaini Islamic Centre in Eastfield, this is being continued at Faizan e Madina mosque in Gladstone area. No booking is required and people without symptoms can access the tests between 10am-3pm. The 10am-noon slot is exclusively for women.

Emmeline Watkins, acting director of public health for Peterborough said: “The testing is different to the rapid tests which people are being asked to complete twice a week as part of their normal life (though you can pick up rapid test kits at the same time), as PCR tests are processed at a laboratory where the virus can be examined to determine whether it is a new variant of Covid-19.

“The testing on Friday is for people without symptoms of Covid-19. Those with symptoms should book a test using the government booking site.

“This proactive testing as a precaution will help the city council to understand how common new variant strains of the virus might be in the city and to avoid the transmission levels being seen in other parts of the country.

“It is really important that people continue to remember hands, face, space and fresh air and to take their two rapid test each week and accept their vaccine when they are offered one – both doses are important. “