ALL the rapid response tests taken on the Isle of Wight so far have proved negative.

The Island's rapid Covid-19 testing centres, for people without symptoms of the virus, have so far carried out more than 1,500 tests.

Around one in three people with Covid have no symptoms, and could be spreading the disease without knowing it, so residents are being urged to make use of the new test sites to help fight the spread of the virus.

The centres enable people to conduct free lateral tests taking less than 30 minutes to complete.

So far, 1,563 swabs have been taken across the sites — all of which tested negative.

Leif Marriner, a trading assistant, said taking the test was "easy and painless, and done within minutes.

"I took a Covid test to protect my family, work colleagues and most importantly the public. I totally recommend the test so together we can stamp out Covid."

Simon Cant, landlord of The Castle Inn, in Newport, and The Vine Inn, in St Helens, said: "While the pubs are closed I'm working for the Royal Mail delivering parcels.

"I've come for a test to make sure I'm keeping people safe when delivering — and my work colleagues safe. The is not painful — get tested, keep calm and carry on Britain."

The centres are at County Hall, Newport, The Heights, Sandown, Westridge Centre, Ryde, the Community Hall of Yarmouth and District, Yarmouth, and the Isle of Wight Community Club, Cowes.

People can book a test via keeptheislandsafe.org

Those with Covid symptoms should not use these sites but instead call 119 or visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test