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Tameside's COVID-19 rapid testing programme is now underway

The rapid testing programme is being used to help detect and fight COVID-19. It uses lateral flow tests and the programme is only for people showing no symptoms. The tests are free.



Targeted COVID-19 Rapid Testing for key workers with no Symptoms



What is the rapid testing programme?

We are making those eligible aware and inviting them to get tested at an Asymptomatic Testing Centre (ATS)

You must not turn up to be tested at an ATS if you have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, Please book a PCR test at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.

Who can access the rapid testing programme?
Across the borough of Tameside frontline workers showing no symptoms can be rapid tested. If you're unable to work from home and need to come into contact with others at work you'll be eligible for rapid testing.
The tests are aimed at key workers like health and social care staff, nurseries and early years staff, carers, taxi drivers, other transport workers, those working in manufacturing and retail, police, fire, retail workers and frontline utility staff.

If you have had a Covid vaccination it is still important to come for rapid lateral flow testing as it is still possible to become infected with Covid, not have symptoms and pass it on to others.
If you have had Covid it is still important to come for rapid lateral flow testing. This is because it is possible to catch Covid twice and people’s antibodies decline at differing rates.

How do I get tested?
You don't need to book, you can simply turn up at one of the rapid testing centres across the borough and bring ID and proof of occupation.
We're encouraging you to get tested every week to provide greater protection to both yourself and others.

Where are the rapid test centres, and when are they open?
Dukinfield Town Hall Chapel Street entrance
King Street, Dukinfield, SK16 4LA Monday - Friday 7am-7pm

Stalybridge Civic Hall - (Old Market Hall) entrance near the Statue
Trinity Street, Stalybridge SK15 2BN Monday – Friday 9am-5pm


What will happen at the rapid test centres?

You'll need to ensure you follow the instructions carefully at the test centre at all times.
  1. You should wear a face covering at all times except when the test is taking place, unless you're exempt.
  2. You'll be asked to register your test ideally using your own device such as a a smart phone with QR reader. If you don't have access to a device we'll be able to help you register.
  3. You will be guided to a booth where you'll follow a step-by-step guide to self-administer the test.
  4. The test should take you no longer than a few minutes to complete and is similar to a COVID-19 test for when you've symptoms.
Your test results
You should receive your results by text or email after 30 minutes of having your test.

If you test negative this does not guarantee that you do not have Covid so you must continue to follow COVID-19 measures. You should also continue to get tested weekly to provide greater protection to both yourself and others.

If you test positive, you'll need to:
Self-isolate immediately.
Book a PCR test or get a home test. If that also comes back positive, you and your household will be required by law to continue isolating for 10 days from the date of your rapid test.
Book a PCR or home test.
If you're isolating, unable to work and on low income you can find out if you're eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.
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Active Tameside director feared he wouldn’t recover from COVID-19

Director of Health & Social outcomes at Active Tameside, Shaun Higgins, has told how he was hospitalised with Coronavirus to help highlight the severity of the virus, even in those particularly fit and active, and to urge people to take steps to stop the spread.

The 51-year-old, from Newton, Hyde was unfortunate enough to contract COVID-19 and fall seriously ill in March.


Shaun has Type 1 diabetes and told of how he suffered with extreme nausea and vomiting over 24 hours, before being admitted to hospital where it was confirmed that he had COVID-19. The virus had unbalanced his diabetes and made him very ill.

He then proceeded to develop more commonly recognised COVID-19 symptoms such as a lack of taste and smell, which he continues to experience even now almost six months later.

Shaun remained in Tameside Hospital for eight days before returning home where he was told he would be safer.

Shaun said: “It was quite scary as stories of COVID-19 were all over the media and sometimes I did really feel that I wasn’t coming out of this.”

Whilst he said he could not speak highly enough of the care and treatment he was given by hospital staff, it was very difficult experience which has taken not just a physical but also an emotional toll on Shaun.

He said: “Even five days after leaving hospital I was still very sick and unable to eat, having to be stabilised at home. After that I spent the next three weeks in bed, and even then I was only able to get up for a couple of hours a day, which for someone as typically active as me was very difficult.”

“I’ve never been much of an emotional person but there were times when I was just breaking down even when I was on the road to recovery.”

“I was off work for 10 weeks and although I’ve now returned, physical exertion still really takes it out of me. I’m also suffering with short term memory loss which can be a side effect of COVID-19 and have not got my sense of taste and smell back properly.”

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Brenda Warrington said: “It’s encouraging to hear of Shaun being on the road to recovery, but this should act as a cautionary tale of how severely this virus can affect people, even those who lead a very active lifestyle like Shaun.”

“As cases are on the rise it is more vital than ever that we all work together to protect our Tameside community by following guidelines strictly, and being vigilant towards the risks.”

Shaun added: “Being on that side of it, you understand what the potential risks of the virus are; it’s key that people comply with social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands.

“You hope that people will act in community spirit, self-policing and telling other people. I think that’s what it’s going to take for people to understand.”

It’s simple and it works, residents are urged to adhere to the coronavirus guidance to keep each other safe and help prevent more people’s lives being seriously impacted like Shaun’s;

Do not socialise with anyone you don’t live with, or that isn’t in your support bubble anywhere indoors or in your garden. If you are outdoors in public, do not gather in groups of more than six.
  • Keep your social distance.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Self-isolate if you have symptoms or are identified as a close contact.
  • Wear a face covering.
If you develop any of these symptoms:
A high temperature.
A new, continuous cough.
A loss of, or a change in, your normal sense of smell or taste.

Book a test or order a home testing kit by visiting: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

Please only get a test if you have Coronavirus symptoms, as this will help to make sure people who need a test can get one. We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it.



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