BROMSGROVE Library is no longer a Covid testing site after an increase in at home lateral flows.

Latest figures show more residents are choosing to take rapid flow tests at home or in one of Bromsgrove's participating pharmacies or opticians.

The last day to get a test at the library was on June 29 but residents can still pick lateral flow tests up to use at home.

The latest figures show more residents are choosing to take rapid flow tests at home or in one of our participating pharmacies or opticians.

Councillor Karen May, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our library service for all they have done during this challenging time. It once again reinforces their valuable role as community hubs, an important resource for us all.

“It is great news that so many people across the county are twice weekly testing at home using a self-testing kit and making this a part of their everyday routine. Regular rapid testing is an important tool in keeping everyone safe as restrictions ease and they are a hugely important part of a range of steps necessary to help us get back to where we want to be.”

Recently over 1,000 tests were done at a pharmacy or opticians and the number of home testing kits collected from libraries outweighs the number of those being tested in libraries.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health in Worcestershire, added: “We are very grateful to our residents and businesses who have regularly been using rapid flow testing to help keep everyone safe.

“For many people it is convenient to collect a box of tests and do them at home and our libraries and pharmacies are playing a vital role in providing these test kits."

Hannah Perrott, assistant director for communities, said: “It has been a pleasure to support the COVID-19 efforts by providing space for testing within Bromsgrove Library and we continue this support by being a collection point for home testing kits.

“Libraries are a great community asset and we have been delighted to see people returning whether it is to use our library services or collect a test kit.”

To find the nearest pharmacy and to book a test, residents can use the Central Health booking link.