County test capacity has surged to help to prevent the spread of Covind-19 and local people are urged to get a test regularly if they are required to attend workplaces during the lockdown.

And West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin welcomed efforts to add extra test centres as prevalence of the virus continues to fall – offering hope of re-opening schools and the economy as soon as possible.

Harriett has called on the county to look at extending capacity in the west of the county, including Malvern and Tenbury and she urged people to book a test if they need to meet other people for essential work.

Harriett said: “Testing capacity has dramatically increased alongside the amazing efforts to deliver vaccinations for the most vulnerable groups.

“There are groups of people, like some shop workers, teachers and public sector workers who are still having to go into workplaces and it is important to get the message about that they can get tested regularly to protect their own health, and others.

“There is plenty of capacity in the system to I have agreed to share the message that people without symptoms can book a lateral flow test, even at short notice.

“Prevalence of the virus is decreasing and those of us who still need to gather in workplaces can do our bit by getting tested regularly and offering an extra degree of confidence to us, our families and colleagues.”

Local people can pre-book appointments by visiting the county council website at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/LateralFlowTesting.