More than 900 people in Gamesley answered the call to carry out testing in response to rising Covid-19 infection rates - and only a handful came back positive. 

Every household in the area received free PCR tests through their door last week in a bid to slow transmission of the virus, including variants of concern which spread more easily.

Residents over the age of five were asked to complete the tests, which were then picked up and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Derbyshire County Council have said that between 3 and 5 June, 948 tests were completed by residents in Gamesley - of which less than five were positive and those households are being encouraged to self-isolate. 

Meanwhile, more than 400 people who were eligible attended a pop-up vaccination clinic set up on Winster Mews last Saturday.

Derbyshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace has thanked residents for their support.

He said: "I appreciate this has been a worrying time but I’d like to thank everyone in Gamesley for their support. By taking a test they are helping us to understand how the virus, including variants of concern, are spreading in the community.

"But most importantly they are helping to protect themselves, their loved ones, friends and community. We are able to offer support to people who have tested positive and also to follow-up their close contacts and ask them to self-isolate so try to minimise the spread and keep everyone safe." 

A Covid testing site which was recently situated in Gamesley. Image: John Parkins. 

NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG Co-chairmen Dr Asad Ali and Dr Ashwin Ramachandra said: "It’s great to see so many people taking action and getting tested and vaccinated to help protect themselves, their loved ones and the local community.

"Thank you to everyone for your continued efforts. If we all work together, and keep following safety measures such as washing hands, socially distancing, wearing face coverings and letting in fresh air, we can all help to break chains of transmission and bring local Covid rates under control, so we can all move on with our lives as soon and as safely as possible." 

The county council led a joint response with NHS Test and Trace, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, High Peak Borough Council and NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group to carry out the enhanced testing.

It also comes as coronavirus vaccines and testing is being stepped up in Greater Manchester to try to deal with a rise in the Delta variant.

The current Covid-19 advice 

People from Glossopdale who visit or work in the area are being encouraged to continue to follow the national guidance to keep everyone safe including:

• Washing hands regularly
• Keeping 2m apart from people not in their household or bubble
• Wearing a face covering when required, unless exempt
• Keeping doors and windows open if they have up to six people indoors

Residents are encouraged to continue to get tested regularly. More information on this can be found at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/communitytesting. 

People who are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine - which is currently anyone aged 25 or over - can also book their jab online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling NHS 119.

Anyone with any of the three main symptoms of Covid-19 are also being reminded to self-isolate immediately for 10 days.

The three main symptoms are:

• A new, continuous cough
• A high temperature
• A loss or change to their sense of smell or taste

If a resident or their child has to self-isolate and they are on a low income they could be eligible for a one-off payment of £500. They can also get support with things like shopping and picking up prescriptions. For more information, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/selfisolationsupport. 

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