February 5, 2021 5.26 pm This story is over 37 months old

How to get a rapid COVID test if you don’t have symptoms

Lincolnshire has four rapid testing centres
| Photo: Stuart Wilde for CoLC

If you don’t have coronavirus symptoms but you want to get an answer within the hour, there are four places in Lincolnshire where you can get rapid COVID tests — for free.

There are two lateral flow rapid testing centres in Lincoln at Sincil Bank stadium and on Croft Street at the St Swithin centre.

The two centres in Boston are at the Fenside Community Centre, Taverner Road and St Nicholas Community Centre, Skirbeck Road.

Why should I get tested if I don’t have any symptoms?

We can break the chain of infection by detecting and self isolating people in the community who have COVID-19 but do not show any symptoms, which means otherwise they could go on and unknowingly infect others unless isolating.

The testing centre at St Swithin’s, off Croft Street in Lincoln. | Photo: Stuart Wilde for CoLC

You do not need to book an appointment to get an asymptomatic test at any of the four centres. You can just turn up between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday.

Upon arrival, staff will double-check with you if you have any COVID symptoms, such as fever, persistent cough, or loss of smell and/or taste.

Checking in to receive a COVID-19 test. | Photo: Stuart Wilde for CoLC

Once inside, staff will explain how to fill in on your phone a form after you scan a barcode unique to your test.

They also have iPads available for those without smartphones and/or internet access.

The form takes up to five minutes to fill in, and then you’re directed to a testing bay.

You have to blow your nose before you take the swab test. | Photo: Stuart Wilde for CoLC

Staff explain how to swab your throat and nose. | Photo: Stuart Wilde for CoLC

Staff there will guide you through swabbing your throat and nose. You then put the swab away and off you go!

Then, within the hour you’ll get a text and email with your test results. That’s it!

All the rapid testing centres are run by the City of Lincoln Council and Boston Borough Council respectively. They are expected to remain operational until the end of February 2021, and likely throughout March too.