One of England’s oldest Cathedrals, Rochester’s 1400 year old place of worship is now providing an entirely new service to local residents as the Royal Engineers — or Sappers — offer COVID-19 tests to eligible locals
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Soldiers sit ready to process tests under the vaulted ceilings of the cathedral’s crypt
The Royal Engineers have a long history with this location. The Corps’ origins can be traced back 900 years, when the Bishop of Rochester Cathedral brought engineers together for William the Conqueror.
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Plastic screens are in place to protect visitors and soldiers .
This is the fourth Medway COVID-19 testing centre, established in the Crypt of Rochester Cathedral.
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The tests can be processed in around 30 minutes
175 Armed Forces personnel, drawn from a composite of units based on 35 Regiment Engineers, are helping to man test centres across the Medway area, with the aim of reducing the infection rate.
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Read more about testing activity being delivered by the Armed Forces:
