Holy Island residents have been thanked for their great support and participation in the coronavirus community-testing programme.

Both residents and workers are getting tested to keep Holy Island safe and playing a vital role in helping to reduce the high number of positive cases seen locally.

Despite restrictions being gradually eased nationally, the situation on Holy Island remains serious. With 1 in 3 people not showing any symptoms - everyone is urged to get tested even if they do not have symptoms or have had the vaccine. This way we can stop the virus spreading.

Since its launch on Sunday, the community testing programme has seen:

• approximately 6,000 PCR tests distributed door to door in the main areas impacted on Holy Island. (This service will come to an end tomorrow, Saturday, March 27)
• more than 3,200 rapid LFD Covid-19 testing kits for secondary school pupils (years 7 to 13) and their family bubbles collected. (Lower Hill Street car park service ends Sunday, March 28)
• more than 600 people attend the testing centre at Stanley Crescent Car Park, Victoria Road, Holyhead, for those displaying Covid-19 symptoms only
• more than 120 people attending the new community testing centre since it opened yesterday at the Holyhead Leisure Centre - for those not showing Covid-19 symptoms

Anglesey Chief Executive, Annwen Morgan, said, “The response from the local community in Holyhead and Holy Island has been overwhelmingly positive; and they are playing their part to keep Holy Island safe.

“I would also like to pay tribute to County Council staff, our partners and volunteers whose tremendous effort and hard work has delivered this comprehensive community testing programme at pace for Holy Island.”

With the new community testing centre now up and running at Holyhead Leisure Centre, the door to door delivery and collection service will come to an end tomorrow (Saturday, March 27). Holy Island residents who are housebound, and not able to go for a test at the Holyhead Leisure Centre, can contact the County Council via email: PRAWFC19@anglesey.gov.wales or call (01248) 752267.

Any residents who still have an uncollected PCR test at home after 12.00pm Saturday (March 27) are kindly asked to post it free of charge. Please note: The tests must be posted in local post boxes that are clearly marked with white 'Priority Box' stickers.

Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said, “We know that around one in three people who contract COVID-19 show none of the common symptoms so the community-testing centre will help identify more cases and stop the virus spreading in our local communities.

“We are grateful to the hundreds of residents of Holy Island who have already taken part in the testing programme and are playing their part in helping to keep their community safe.”

“Throughout this pandemic, partner organisations across North Wales have been working together to support the wider community and this is another example of that close collaboration.

“I would also like to thank our volunteers who are playing a vital role in helping us to deliver this programme.”

Ends 26.3.21

Notes to Editors

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have broadened Covid-19 symptoms to include:

• fever or raised temperature
• new persistent cough (with or without sputum)
• influenza-like symptoms including any or all of: muscle ache or pain, excessive lethargy or fatigue, persistent headache, runny or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing
• altered or absent sense of smell or taste
• generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known COVID-19 case
• diarrhoea or vomiting
• any new or change in symptoms is an indication for a test in someone with a previous negative test

Welsh Government are now offering an enhanced support package for anyone that needs to self-isolate. Please visit www.anglesey.gov.uk for information on what support and advice is available to you.

Testing at Holyhead Leisure Centre is being delivered in partnership between the Welsh Government, UK Government, Isle of Anglesey County Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Public Health Wales, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, local volunteers and the Ministry of Defence, with logistical support from the Armed Forces.