Key workers and people unable to work from home who do not have any coronavirus symptoms will be able to book rapid lateral flow tests in Bath to help prevent the spread of the virus from today (February 24).

Bath & North East Somerset Council is opening its first rapid Covid-19 test site at the Apex Hotel in Bath to test if key workers with no symptoms of Covid are unknowingly spreading the virus and to help them know when they need to isolate.

Approximately one in three people who have coronavirus will experience no symptoms. Rapid lateral flow testing is important in reducing the risk that they pose to others.

The test site will open on March 1 and will provide quick, free lateral flow tests (LFTs) for essential workers and volunteers, critical workers or people unable to work from home who don't have symptoms.

The site will be open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

Bookings must be made online, up to two weeks in advance via https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/rapid-test Testing is by appointment only and the site is not a walk-in centre. The test process including registration on arrival takes around 15 minutes and results are sent by text or email, usually within one hour.

The site will be open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

The council will soon be announcing details of two additional rapid Covid-19 test sites planned to open at the Keynsham Masonic Hall on March 8 and the Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton on March 10.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services and Health, said: "Rapid testing is a vital tool in helping to break the chain of transmission of the virus. About one in three people who have the virus display no symptoms so they could easily be spreading it to others without knowing. The rapid Covid-19 test site will prioritise identifying the virus in people who cannot work from home and who have to be in contact with colleagues and the public in order to provide frontline services to our community.

"It's important that this sector of workers takes a test weekly to prevent the spread. The tests are quick, free and easy to use so please don't hesitate in booking yourself an appointment. Even if test results are negative, there's a chance that you could still be carrying the virus, so we should all continue to act like we've got it to protect our health and that of others."