Mansfield Woodhouse tattoo parlour introduces Covid-19 lateral flow tests for customers

Tattoo shops across the country reopened their doors for the first time in several months on April 12 as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

And now the Darkside Tattoo Collective on Portland Street has introduced lateral flow tests to help keep staff and customers safe – a move owner Lee Mander says has put his colleagues and the public’s ‘mind at ease’.

“We introduced the testing on Monday and so far it has gone down very well with the customers and staff,” said Lee, who employs three other tattoo artists.

"We are the only studio that has implemented it. We have always been very concerned with safety, it is a part of our business anyway, but adding the lateral flow testing has been a way to put the public and staff’s mind at ease.”

Each customer is asked to arrive 45 minutes before their appointment to collect and complete the testing process.

They will receive their result in around 30 minutes and if they test negative can can go ahead with their appointment.

“Clients are asked to fill out a consent form first and then they do the swab test themselves,” Lee told Chad. “It is very easy and the results very quick. If a positive result is found they must then follow 111 guidance and get a PCR test. If it is negative they can go ahead with their appointment.”

- Anyone who has any queries can contact 07812 515 463 for a pre-appointment consultation.