It’s easy and it’s painless’
was bright, with several people viewing the commencement of rapid testing as the beginning of the end of the health emergency.
“We’re feeling hopeful,” said Carol, 84. “We had the first dose of the vaccine on Tuesday and we go back on January 6 for the second dose.
“The set-up at the Al Hikmah Centre was fantastic.”
Husband Alan, 86, said: “We want to be sure that we’re not passing it on to anybody. We’ve got a big family 23 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - and our big concern is keeping safe and for everyone to use common sense.”
The couple said they had not had anyone in their home since March and had not even visited local shops, preferring to arrange home deliveries of shopping.
Added Carol: “We have done as were told: keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a mask. That way we’ll get things moving. And we’ll enjoy our lives again when it’s all over.”
That Dunkirk spirit was echoed by Caroline, 57, from Batley. She turned up 15 minutes before the doors opened to stand in line. “I’m here because I’d like to know whether I’m a carrier or whether I’ve got Covid,” she said.
“Having a testing centre right here in Batley is very encouraging because you don’t have to travel out of area. Hopefully it will encourage all the locals to come down and get tested. That way we will beat the virus and get us out of Tier 3.”
Brian and Gwen, also from Batley, had been in the queue for 40 minutes and were about 20 minutes from being tested. Said Gwen, who was in her 70s: “I think testing should be compulsory. Everybody should have it. We all should do anything to help and get it over with.”
She and Brian, who was in his 80s, revealed how a relative returning from China had been tested for the virus a year ago. They said there were concerns about risk even then. Thankfully the relative survived.
“It’s been depressing for the family. Thankfully we have not lost anybody. But there are still too many people breaking the rules or making up rules to suit themselves. They should stop it.”
Looking on from the sidelines, Clr Khan marvelled at the resilience of local people. She said: “We are relying on the Kirklees community spirit, which has been evident. We have the military here to help us. We are trying to do everything we can to improve the infection rate in Kirklees, to open facilities and to get people back into work again – including seeing our hospitality industry open again so we can look to a more positive new year.”