COVID-19 Testing

Changes to LFT testing in Cumbria

As people increasingly choose to access testing in other ways, 11 out of 12 community Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) sites across Cumbria are set to close from Thursday 15 July. 

Demand for the LFT sites has fallen as people are increasingly choosing to order tests online or pick up testing kits from their local pharmacy or PCR test site. Many people are also offered testing at work. 

All PCR testing sites will remain open as normal and will continue to act as LFT collection points. 

The 11 LFT testing sites set to close are where demand for community testing has fallen the most. These include Ambleside, Aspatria, Barrow, Carlisle, Dalton, Kendal, Milnthorpe, Penrith, Sedbergh, Whitehaven and Workington. 

However, the LFT site at Millom will remain open as usual (Saturdays: 9.15am - 11.30am and Wednesdays: 5.15pm - 7.45pm) as demand there remains high.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should get a test. Symptoms include:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • you've lost your sense of smell or taste or it's changed

Book a test on the national website or by calling 119. 

There are a range of test centres available across Cumbria. Full details are available on the NHS North Cumbria CCG website.

Lateral Flow Testing is now available to all adults in England who do not have COVID-19 symptoms but want a test to help keep them, their family and those they come into contact with safe. Regular testing for COVID-19 of people without symptoms is an important way to stop infection spreading.

Lateral Flow tests give a result in 30 minutes and help identify people who have COVID-19 and are infectious but are not ill. These people can then self-isolate to protect others.

Ways to get a Lateral Flow Test

1. Get a test through your employer

Your workplace may offer rapid lateral flow testing to you. Contact your employer to find out more.

2. Home Delivery 

Lateral Flow home testing kits can be sent directly to your home. One box containing 7 tests will be provided per order.  Order online

3. Pharmacy Collection Points

Pharmacies across the county have Lateral Flow home testing kits available for collection. Two boxes each containing 7 tests can be collected at any one time. Find your nearest pharmacy

4. Community Lateral Flow Testing and Collection Points

There is one remaining Lateral Flow Test and Collection site available in Cumbria. The site has fully trained staff to facilitate on site Lateral Flow testing while you are there, help show you how to test properly, and hand out Lateral Flow Home kits to take away. 

Please note, the testing site will not be open outside of these times:

Millom: Millom School, Salthouse Road, Millom, LA18 5AB

  • Saturdays 9.15am to 11.30am 
  • Wednesdays 5.15pm to 7.45pm

To attend a site and be tested:

  • No appointment is necessary - please just arrive at the testing site between times stated
  • Please wear a face covering unless you have a medical exemption
  • Please note, the testing sites will not be open outside these times

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, please do not attend the test site, but instead book a test online or by calling 119.

Can the tests be used on children under the age of 12?

Yes they can, but the Public Health team does not recommend schools and other settings actively promote regular rapid testing in children under the age of 12 because it can be unpleasant for them.

We recommend adults aged 18+ should participate in the twice-weekly rapid testing programme.

Please note that the information booklet that comes with the home lateral flow testing kits does say they are suitable for children under the age of 12, but parents and carers should be advised that this is not recommended.

If children under the age of 12 develop COVID-19 symptoms, they should get a PCR test.

This advice will be kept under review.

  • Protect your workforce, your business and your customers
  • Free training, free tests, free ongoing support and backup
  • Over 350 Cumbrian businesses already signed up
  • Contact ask.LFT@cumbria.gov.uk

Regular Lateral Flow COVID-19 testing of those without symptoms is a key part of the strategy for preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Businesses are being encouraged to bring in regular rapid-result COVID-19 testing for their workforce. An employee testing programme helps protect your employees, your customers and your business.

Cumbria County Council is offering businesses three ways to access regular rapid result Lateral Flow COVID-19 testing for employees.

Option 1 - Workplace Testing

We can help you set up your own COVID-19 testing programme on-site on your business premises. You will receive free training, free tests, free set-up support and ongoing back-up from our dedicated COVID-19 LFT project team.

You will attend a free 'Train the Trainer' session, showing you exactly how the testing process works, how to record the results and we will help you to set up your in-house testing site.

We will also support you with competency requirements, webinars, a standard operating procedure, template risk assessments and supply and delivery of PPE and test kits free of charge as per the Department of Health and Social Care terms and conditions.

Please contact the LFT project team to find out more: ask.LFT@cumbria.gov.uk

Option 2 - Home Lateral Flow Testing kits distributed to your employees via your workplace

Cumbria County Council is able to supply businesses and other organisations with Home Lateral Flow Testing kits which you can distribute to your employees/volunteers from your workplace.   

Please contact the team on ask.lft@cumbria.gov.uk to sign up to the programme.  

Option 3 - Promote self-service options to your employees

For smaller businesses, and those where testing in the workplace is not feasible, then you may wish to refer your employees to the various ways in which they can access lateral flow testing for themselves. Please see the tab above called 'Testing if you DO NOT have symptoms'.