Rapid testing for people with no coronavirus symptoms will launch in Borehamwood this week.

The pop-up sites, primarily for key workers or people unable to work from home, offer lateral flow tests capable of telling someone within one hour of taking a test whether they have Covid.

The tests are important because it can tell someone if they are infectious with Covid without them realising because they are asymptomatic.

Hertfordshire County Council has been running the new public rapid testing programme for ten days now at various locations across the county, including in Watford, Bushey, St Albans, and Potters Bar.

According to the council's online booking system, rapid tests will be available in Borehamwood from this Monday.

Who is eligible for a rapid test?

Anyone who does not have coronavirus symptoms. However, tests are limited and the council is prioritising key and essential workers who are unable to work from home to be tested.

Only people aged over 16 can take a rapid test.

People must book online for a test - you cannot just turn up without a booking.

What if I have coronavirus symptoms?

Anyone with Covid symptoms must not book a rapid test. Instead, a test must be booked via the government website as has been the case for many months.

There is a drive-thru and walk-in testing facility for people with Covid symptoms at Hertsmere Civic Centre's car park in Borehamwood - bookings for this facility must be on the government website.

Where are rapid tests available in Borehamwood?

Two sites in Borehamwood will be offering rapid tests over the next couple of weeks. Booking slots are available from 8.30am until 8pm.

Rapid testing will be available at Brook Road Car Park, Brook Road, WD6 5HQ on February 1 and 10.

The community hub at 96 Shenley Road, WD6 1EB, will be offering rapid tests on February 3, 4, 5, and 6th.

The booking website has details of other sites in Hertfordshire offering rapid tests over the next two weeks if testing is not available in Borehamwood.

How do I book a rapid test?

You won't be able to access a rapid test centre without booking beforehand.

Bookings can be made on the council website here while more details about how the rapid testing sites work can be found here.