UNPAID carers are being urged to take part in a borough-wide Covid testing scheme.

The test is available to anyone who is volunteering or providing care for a vulnerable person living in the borough.

It's aimed solely at people whose caring role means that they need to leave their homes to support a vulnerable person in doing tasks such as doing shopping or taking someone for medical appointments.

The tests are available for any unpaid carer – even if they are not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.

Julia Burrows, Barnsley director of public health, said: “We know that there are a number of unpaid carers in Barnsley who are incredibly anxious about being able to adequately protect their loved ones during this pandemic.

“If their caring role means that they have to leave their home, we want them to be included in our community testing offer to minimise the possibility of Covid-19 being brought inadvertently into their homes or the home of the person they care for.

“By attending for twice-weekly testing, they will be able to find out if they have Covid-19 so that they can take immediate precautions to keep their family member or friend as safe as possible.”

To book a test, click here.