A Basildon nurse is encouraging everyone in Essex to get tested regularly for Covid-19, after she tested positive despite having no symptoms.

Bethan Simpson gets tested twice a week as part of her job as a nurse at Essex Partnership Univerity Trust Basildon Mental Health Unit. 

“Last year my daughter was really unwell. The doctor thought she had Covid-19 but she was too small then to be tested, so I took one instead.

"I was shocked I got a positive result as I didn’t have any of the symptoms. I felt fine, maybe a little tired but I thought that was from going back to work after having a baby.

“I would absolutely encourage everyone to get tested regularly.

“One of my colleagues also found out he was positive after doing a rapid test and he couldn’t believe it because he felt fine.

“It was about a week later he developed a cough, so it just goes to show if he hadn’t taken that test, he would have been unknowingly spreading the virus.

“Testing is so important, especially as restrictions are eased. People think once they get the vaccine, they are OK.

“Actually, they could still catch and spread the virus to others, including those who are not vaccinated. Testing is key to helping us stay on track with the easing of restrictions.”