As Covid cases hit heights not seen since February, Gloucestershire County Council has urged all residents to perform rapid Covid tests two times a week - even if they don’t have symptoms.

More than 18,000 new infections were recorded on Saturday, the highest daily recording since February 4, as the Delta variant spreads through the country.

With around one in three people who have Covid-19 suffering no symptoms, the Council is encouraging quick testing to stop the mutation of further variants via virus transmission, as per Government guidance.

Sarah Scott, Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Thankfully, the number of Gloucestershire residents becoming seriously ill from Covid is now much lower, but as we start to mix more, the number of infections is rising sharply, particularly in our county’s schools and across Gloucestershire businesses.

“Every time the virus passes from person to person, it has another opportunity to mutate into new variants such as Delta – which we know spreads more easily.

“Rapid testing alongside getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, when invited; continuing to follow the rules around hands, face, space and fresh air; and self-isolating and getting a PCR test if you have symptoms will help us to slow the spread of infection.”

In Stroud, there were 101 cases per 100,000 people between the ages of 0 and 59 in the week ending June 21, and 14 cases per 100,000 people aged 60 and over in the same time period.

How can I get a quick test?

Since the Government first announced that rapid testing was available to everyone in England, the way you can get your free test kit in the county has changed to make it even easier to access.

  • Pharmacy Collect. There are more than 100 pharmacies county-wide that have rapid testing kits in-store for people to collect and use at home
  • On-site pharmacy testing. Some local pharmacies have come on board to offer on-site testing for people who haven’t yet used a rapid flow test, or residents who would like some support and guidance to take the test.
  • Community Collect. You can pick up your rapid test kit from Hempsted Meadows, Cheltenham, High Street Car Park and Stratford Park Leisure Centre testing centres. Collection is available Monday-Sunday at Gloucester and Cheltenham between 2.30 pm to 8pm and Monday-Sunday between 1.30pm and 7pm in Stroud. You can check online if the location is open or busy before you go
  • Library Collect in Gloucester City. There are five libraries in Gloucester that have kits available for collection. Gloucester City Centre, Hucclecote, Churchdown, Longlevens and Quedgeley. You should check the library opening hours online first

There is more information about Covid testing in the county on the council website. 

Watch our latest video about getting assistance with a rapid flow test online at