Specsavers customers advised to get tested following outbreak of Omicron variant

Visitors to the Chelmsford High Street branch of Specsavers are advised to take a COVID test following positive cases of Omicron.

Customers and visitors to the Chelmsford High Street branch of Specsavers are advised to take a COVID test due to several cases of COVID-19 identified as the B 1.1.529 Omicron variant. 

Anyone who visited the store for an appointment, adjustment, to browse, or for any other reason between the dates of Sunday 21 November and Monday 6 December is advised to test as soon as possible.

To date, three confirmed and three highly probable cases have been identified with a link to the branch and Essex County Council’s Public Health Team and the UK Health Security Agency are asking anyone who visited the store and:

• Does not have COVID-19 symptoms to take a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test to make sure they do not have the virus.
• Has COVID-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of the sense of smell and taste) should immediately self-isolate and request a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

Lateral Flow Tests are free of charge and can be ordered online and delivered to your home or picked up from locations across Chelmsford and further afield including:

• Chelmsford Central Library, County Hall, CM1 1QH
• Boots, 43 High Chelmer, CM1 1DD
• Tesco, Springfield Road, CM2 6QT
• Rivermead Pharmacy, CM1 1SH
• Riverside Leisure Centre, CM1 1FG
• Dovedale Sport Centre, CM2 9BP
• Chelmer Sports & Athletics Centre, CM1 2EH
• South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, CM3 5JU

Further information and pick up locations:

https://www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19/if-you-dont-have-symptoms

Those who take an LFD test are advised to take two tests a week for at least the next two weeks.

For those with symptoms, you can book a PCR test online or by calling 119

https://www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19

While the risks of any individual being infected with Omicron due to a visit to Specsavers are low, it is essential we identify all cases to help reduce the spread.

Advice for everyone, including people who don’t fall into this identified group

Essex County Council’s Public Health team recommends that everyone in Essex without COVID-19 symptoms, carries out Lateral Flow Tests twice a week. This is because the Omicron symptoms may not be as obvious as Delta. 

Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: 

“

“Over the last two weeks we have seen just how rapidly Omicron is spread and it is really important that people in Essex test regularly whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not.

We can all do our bit to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by taking sensible precautions – use LFD tests regularly, get a PCR test if you have symptoms, isolate when asked, wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, ventilate rooms, get your vaccine and boosters as soon as you can. “Even if you are feeling well, I would urge everyone to play their part to keep their community safe.”

Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council’s Director of Public Health