SCORES of community groups across the area have volunteered to be a site for rapid testing as Worcestershire ramps up its response to the rising number of Covid cases.

More than 100 offers have come in from places such as community centres, village halls and sports clubs to host rapid testing across Worcestershire.

An appeal had gone out from the county council because of the recent surge in cases in the county. The council approached town and parish councils and is now processing all the offers.

The Lateral Flow testing is important because it can help identify people who are infectious but don’t have symptoms.

Councillor Karen May, cabinet member for transformation and commissioning, said: “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had so far from town and parish councils.

“We only put a call out last week for possible sites and we’ve had over 100 offers come in.

“It’s been a real community effort. Like other areas of the Covid response, we’ve seen communities wanting to step up and help the greater good so thank you to everyone who has been in touch.

“We’re working through all the responses and we will respond to everyone individually.”

Around 1 in 3 people have coronavirus without displaying any symptoms.

It is hoped the expansion of asymptomatic testing will identify more positive cases of Covid-19 and ensure those infected isolate, protecting those who cannot work from home and our vital services.