COVID-19 surge testing in the Diss and Roydon area

A small number of South Africa variant cases of COVID-19 have been found in the Diss area. We are doing additional testing in the Diss and Roydon area to see if the variant is more widely spread in the community. This is also known as ‘surge testing’. The more cases of the variant we find, the better chance we have of containing it.

Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk District Council are working with NHS Test and Trace to offer a COVID-19 test to all residents in the area.

From 19 February if you are aged 16 or over and live or work in the parishes of Diss or Roydon we strongly encourage you to get tested, whether you have symptoms of COVID-19 or not.

You should not take the test if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, please do not go out to get tested. Someone will drop off a test at your door.

Getting a test

You can get a test in these ways:

Go to a local Mobile Testing Unit

You can book a Mobile Testing Unit test for the next day from 8pm the evening before. Only choose one of the locations below.

Book your test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

If you don’t have COVID symptoms click ‘yes’ when asked ‘is the person who needs a test part of a trial or government project?’ and then select ‘taking part in community testing’

If you do have COVID symptoms follow the instructions on the website and choose one of the Mobile Testing Units below and drive to the testing centre if you can. If you can’t arrive by car, please call 01508 533 933 and we will drop off a test off at your home.

You must choose from these locations:

Diss Youth and Community Centre, 19 February – 23 February, 9am – 3pm
Roydon Community Centre, 19 February – 28 February, 10am – 4pm
Diss Leisure Centre, 19 February – 4 March, 9am-3pm

The Mobile Testing Units are drive and walk through testing sites. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian and the test has to be done by that guardian. Children aged 12–17 must be accompanied by a guardian and do the test themselves. Children under 12 do not need to wear a face mask.

Home testing kits

You can no longer collect home test kits from pick up points.

From 25 February, you can drop kits off at Diss Leisure Centre between 8am and 6pm daily.

Please do not return testing kits in the post box.

Door to door testing

If you cannot get to a Mobile Testing Unit we can drop a test to your door. Call 01508 533 933 to arrange a test drop off.

Our officers will have a high visibility uniform with a very visible logo and visible identification. No one will ask you for any payment of any kind or any bank details. If you are in any doubt, please ask them for identification or call 01508 533 933.

Get help with home tests

Call 01508 533 933 to arrange for us to visit and help you to take a home test.

Frequently asked questions

I have already had my vaccines so do I still need to do a test?

Yes, you still need to take a test. While the vaccine is highly effective and will prevent you getting seriously ill, it is not clear whether it stops the virus from spreading. This means that you can still carry the virus without showing any symptoms and can pass it on to others.

Should I go to my appointment for the vaccine?

Yes, you should keep your appointment and have the vaccine. If you receive your invitation to have the vaccine, please make your appointment and go.

If you have coronavirus symptoms you should not go to have your vaccination. Please contact them to let them know.

Should I be worried?

Overall, the number of cases in South Norfolk is falling and there is no reason for local people to be worried by this increased testing. There is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness than others.

The most important thing is that people continue to follow the guidance that is in place to keep themselves and others safe: limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, keep your distance, cover your face and stick to the lockdown rules.

What do I do if I already have symptoms?

You need to get tested. You can book at one of the mobile testing units and go in a car, or you can call 01508 533 933 and we’ll deliver a test kit to your door.

If you have any of the coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate. Find out how you can get help to self-isolate.

What if I’ve recently tested positive for COVID-19?

If you tested positive in the last 90 days after taking a swab test that was sent to a lab (PCR test), you should not take a test as part of this surge testing.

If you had a positive rapid swab test (lateral flow test) where the results are given to you within 30 minutes, you still need to take a test as part of the surge testing.

Is there a cost for the test?

No. The test is free. No one will ask you for any payment or any bank details.

I have a child who’s under 16 and has symptoms, where should they get tested?

If you have a child under 16 who has symptoms book a test for them at one of the Mobile Testing Units and take them in a car, or call 01508 533 933 and have a test delivered to your door.

What test are you using?

We use standard PCR tests. These tests take a swab of the nose and throat, which is sent to a laboratory to be analysed.

Is it safe to go to work, school, shopping etc?

There are no additional actions you need to take because of this surge testing. If you test negative, you should continue to follow the national lockdown rules. You should also continue to practise Hands. Face. Space.

If I’m having rapid (LFT) testing at work, do I still need to take one of the PCR tests as part of surge testing?

Yes. We would encourage everyone who lives or works in the parishes of Diss and Roydon to get a test in the next two weeks. Please only use the testing facilities in Diss and Roydon – this ensures that any positive test can be tested for the South Africa variant.

Please also continue with your workplace testing as usual. If you test positive follow the guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus infections.

Does testing hurt?

Testing doesn’t hurt although some people find it slightly uncomfortable. You need to swab your throat and nose and then place the swabs into the container provided.

How do I track my test and receive their results?

You'll usually get a text or email with your result when it's ready. If you use the NHS COVID-19 app, you may also get your result in the app.

Keep a note of the bar code number of your test (you will find this displayed on the bottom of your box, instruction leaflet or test vial.) This is your unique identifying reference number and will help to track your test should it be needed.

If you have not received your results in 72 hours, you can contact 119 and quote the bar code number from your test pack. Download the NHS COVID-19 app.

Important things to remember during the surge testing to ensure your test will be fast-tracked and if positive will tested for the South Africa variant

Only use the testing sites in Diss and Roydon for this surge testing
Do not put your test in the post
Return your test to the place you picked it up
Call 01379 533 933 if you need your test picking up from home
You can book at a mobile testing unit on a given day from 8PM on the evening before until the time that that site closes on the day