WEEKLY Covid testing is now available for unpaid carers at sites across Dorset.

Public Heath Dorset says unpaid carers now have access to weekly weekly lateral flow device (LFD) testing to help prevent the spread of Covid and protect loved ones.

This is the next part of Dorset Rapid Community Testing Programme, health bosses have said.

Essential businesses and organisations and frontline council staff already have access to weekly lateral flow testing if they are unable to work at home due to the nature of their job.

Cllr Karen Rampton, BCP Council’s member for adult health and social care, said: “It is so important that we can help families who are looking after loved ones at this difficult time, so I’m delighted that asymptomatic weekly testing is now available to unpaid carers.

“Unpaid carers give up their time and energy to provide essential care to friends and family members, and we want to make sure they are well supported. I would also urge any unpaid carers in the local community to sign up to our carers’ information service and to take advantage of other local support available.”

Public Health Dorset says an unpaid carer is anyone who cares for a friend or family member who, due to a lifelong condition, illness, disability, serious injury, a mental health condition or an addiction, would not cope without their support.

Unpaid care can include a range of activities including personal care such as washing, dressing or help with eating and drinking, as well as support with laundry, cooking, shopping and cleaning.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s member for adult social care and health said: “I really encourage all unpaid carers to take the opportunity to have weekly asymptomatic testing.

“Unlike with businesses and organisations who are already getting tested, unpaid carers don’t need to register, they can just book an LFD test at one of our community testing sites on Public Health Dorset’s website."

Unpaid carers can book their tests at one of the community testing sites on Public Health Dorset’s website: www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/your-health/protecting-your-health/book-an-lfd-test.aspx