Residents and workers in Newcastle are being urged to book a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms of the virus, after a new testing site opened in the town.
Council chiefs welcomed the news and said the walk-through coronavirus facility at the Ryecroft Car Park means local people now have quick and easy access to testing on their doorstep.
Anyone with symptoms, however mild, of a high temperature, new persistent cough or loss of taste or smell can book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by phoning 119.
Local Testing Sites, like this one, are being established to provide local testing for those who are unable to access drive-through centres or for any local residents who have cause for concern.
Tests only take a minute and results should be available the next day.
Simon Tagg, Leader of the Borough Council, said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to protect both lives and livelihoods across Newcastle.
“I am really pleased that we have secured a walk-in testing centre in the town, in a central location where people can easily access it, and I would urge anyone with symptoms, however mild, to book a test today.”
The site is easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will need to follow social distancing guidance and wearing a face covering.
Alan White, Staffordshire County Council’s Leader, said: “Making sure that people who have symptoms get tested as quickly as possible is key to our efforts to reducing the risk of a second peak in infections in Staffordshire.
“This new community centre means it has never been easier for people to book a test to help protect themselves, their family and their local community.”
Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
From today, Thursday 20 August opening times for the Newcastle Local Testing Centre will be 8am to 8pm every day, including weekends.
