Covid-19 updates – 19th February 2021

Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health Birmingham, hosted a webinar on 18th February, in which Champions gave their thoughts about testing, describing their experiences and those of their communities.

One of the main themes to emerge from the discussion was the lack of understanding about the benefits of testing or an unwillingness to be tested. Dr Varney was also joined by Dr Rizwan Alidina who gave an update and answered questions on vaccination and other topics.

The full recording is below, but you can also click here to watch the recorded video and other webinars about Covid-19 on the Healthy Brum YouTube channel.

Utilita Arena Testing Site Moves to Hippodrome

The rapid lateral flow COVID-19 testing site at the Utilita Arena (formerly NIA) closed this week and moved to the Hippodrome Theatre on Thorp Street, B5 4TB. The new site is open for testing seven days a week, between 8am and 6pm. Click here for more details.

Home Testing Kits Now Easier to Order

The government has introduced a number of accessibility improvements to the home testing programme to make it even easier to get tested.

  • Home test kits can now be ordered over the phone by calling 119, without needing access to the internet
  • NHS Test and Trace partnership with Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to improve home testing service for people with visual impairments
  • New video-call support service with specially trained NHS Test and Trace staff will assist people with vision impairments to test at home.

Click here to find out more.

Testing Resources

Providing the right information on testing to your community will encourage uptake, thereby reducing the risk of the virus spreading. Here are some resources to make sure your networks are properly informed:

Watch: Doctors Speak on the Importance of Vaccination

Testing is of course not the only way we are combating the virus. Doctors at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have delivered a personal message about the importance of the vaccine in the fight against the disease. Click here to watch and share the video.

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