New walk-in testing site for those who do not have a car
A NEW walk-through coronavirus testing centre has opened in Derby for those with symptoms to book and visit.
The facility has been set up at Morleston Street Day Centre, off Osmaston Road, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test online or by calling 119.
From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings and care home residents, vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Those with access to a car should
attend the nearby testing centre at Toyota or one of the mobile units in the county. These are also bookable online or by calling 119.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Testing at the new site has started today, Wednesday, October 14, with appointments made available each day.
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now includes more than 500 sites available across the UK, including 77 drive-through sites, 172 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England 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.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Dr Robyn Dewis, director of public health for Derby City Council, said: “We’re very glad to be opening our local testing site in the city and increasing our capacity for those who have developed symptoms to apply for a test.
“This new site at Morleston Street Day Centre will hopefully be more convenient for those who may not drive or have access to a car.
“As ever, it is important that if we develop symptoms, we stay home and apply for a test straight away. This will help us in our attempts to reduce the growth of transmission in the city and work to keep ourselves and others safe.”