Introduction
    This slide deck highlights an overview of current Kent and Medway 
    COVID-19 testing strategies for key settings including schools, 
    hospitals, care homes, community testing sites amongst others. 
    These strategies include what test should be taken, testing 
    frequency, and testing locations. 
                      PCR & LFD 
                             Tests
  The 2 most common tests for COVID-19 are:
  1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests - primarily for people with symptoms 
  of COVID-19.
  • Main symptoms include fever, persistent cough, loss of taste and smell and 
   shortness of breath.
  2. Rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests - only for people without symptoms 
  of COVID-19. These are also referred to as 'rapid tests'.
                                    PCR 
                                    Testing
       •  Local Test Sites (LTS) in Kent: 
        • Gravesend: Lord Street Car Park, Gravesend DA12 1ER
        • Folkestone: Cheriton Road Sports Ground, Cheriton Road, Folkestone  CT19 5JU
        • Dartford: Acacia Hall Car Park, Darenth Road, Dartford DA1 1NJ
        • Sheppey: Bridge Road, Sheerness ME12
        • Canterbury: University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB 
        • Maidstone: Shepway Green, Cumberland Ave, Maidstone ME15 7JN
       • LTS in Medway: 
        • There is a walk-through testing site at Greenwich University (Jellicoe Building),  North Road, Chatham 
         Maritime, Chatham, Kent
       • Appointments can be booked via the government website
       • Additionally, Mobile Test Units (MTUs) are deployed on a schedule and locations are 
        indicated in the online booking service. 
       • Alternatively, PCR home test kits can be delivered to the home.
       • There are also Regional Test Sites (RTS): 
        • Ashford: Victoria Rd, Ashford TN23
        • Chatham: Curtis Way, Chatham, Rochester ME12 1RH
        • Ramsgate: Manston International Airport, Manston Rd, Ramsgate CT12 5BQ
                                                                         LFD Testing
            • All asymptomatic individuals in England are encouraged to do twice-weekly 
               LFD tests, regardless of vaccination status (even when vaccinated, 
               individuals can still catch and spread the virus)
            • Individuals should also do LFD tests on days when they are more likely to 
               catch or spread COVID-19 e.g. mixing with people in crowded venues
            • Individuals who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 but are 
               fully vaccinated or under the age of 18 ½ years are not required to self-
               isolate but should do daily LFD tests (1 a day for 7 days)
            • Confirmatory PCR tests following a positive LFD test at home or at 
               asymptomatic testing sites are temporarily suspended since 11th January 
               2022
                   •  More information on these temporary changes can be found here
                    Accessing 
                    LFD Tests
     Routes to accessing regular LFD tests include:
     • Community testing: At a local testing site where individuals can take a 
      supervised test onsite or collect one for home testing
     • Pharmacy collect: For pickup of free box of tests to use at home at pharmacies 
      that have signed up to offer this service
     • Education: Schools, colleges and nurseries offer twice-weekly on-site tests. 
      However, primary school-age children and younger do not need to get tested.
     • LFD Direct: Ordering a box of test online or through 119 to be delivered to one's 
      home. This is only for people who cannot access tests through other routes.
     • Workplace testing: Whilst employers can no longer order free LFD tests 
      for employees, they can purchase and set up their own testing or pay an 
      approved provider to run a test site for employees. Employees can also order 
      free home-test kits.