People in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen who have a wider range of symptoms and generally feel unwell are now encouraged to get a free test for coronavirus.
As well as the three classic coronavirus symptoms of a fever, a new continuous cough or a loss or change of taste and smell, you can get a test with other symptoms too.
These additional symptoms include:
鈥� Flu-like symptoms including aching or painful muscles, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing
You should also book a test if you:
鈥� Are generally feeling unwell or if you鈥檝e recently been in contact with someone with coronavirus
鈥� Have any new symptoms, or a change in symptoms even if you have previously tested negative
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board are operating fourteen testing facilities across the region and getting a test is now even quicker, easier and more convenient with results in most cases returned within 24 hours.
People who have any of the new symptoms are requested to stay at home and arrange a test at a facility near to them by phoning 119 or booking online: https://gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.
When booking a test, you may automatically be asked about the classic three symptoms. However, when booking online you can simply select 鈥榶ou have been asked to take a test by your local council鈥�
Or you can speak to the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board鈥檚 testing service by calling 0300 30 31 222.
Jonathan Keen, Head of the Gwent Test, Trace, Protect Service, said:
鈥淲e appreciate the huge efforts and sacrifices made by people across Wales in helping to tackle the spread of coronavirus. However, current evidence shows that a third wave is a real threat so identifying infections which could otherwise go undetected is particularly important as new variants of the virus emerge and restrictions are eased. The more tests we carry out the easier it will be to spot early clusters of cases; detect possible virus mutations and more importantly protect friends and family. This will also help with continued easing restrictions.鈥�
Dr Sarah Aitken, Executive Director of Public Health at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said:
鈥淥ur aim is to find Covid-19 cases in our communities and drive down the numbers of onward transmissions. The risk remains significantly higher in indoors and while the risk is not reduced to zero, it is safer to spend time with other people outdoors due to increased ventilation.鈥�
鈥淲e must all keep doing the things that keep us safe, like wearing face coverings, social distancing, handwashing and good ventilation when indoors. Everyone鈥檚 aim needs to be to keep the rates as low as possible so if in any doubt, get a test.鈥�
Jonathan Keen, added:
鈥淲e are asking anyone taking a test because of the additional symptoms to stay home and self-isolate until you receive your result, which is usually within 24 hours. If the result is positive, you and your household must self-isolate for 10 days. You will also be contacted by the local Contact Tracing Team. However, if your result is negative, you can end your self-isolation, when you feel well enough to do so.鈥�
Anyone required to isolate could get a payment of up to 拢500 to help with loss of earning if instructed to self-isolate and cannot work from home. Applications can be made online to your local authority.