Drive-through test unit opens at sports centre

A TEMPORARY coronavirus testing unit has been launched in a town.

The unit is at the Lutterworth sports centre car park.

Unlike the Market Harborough walk-through site elsewhere in the district, the centre be drivethrough.

Tests will be offered by appointment only, so the queues to the site are limited.

While the leisure facilities are set to reopen, the testing unit will take up minimal space in the car park and visitors to the sports centre can park at the rear of the centre.

The site at the sports centre car park, in Coventry Road, will be managed by the Department of Health and Social Care and its contractors and will run initially for a few weeks, before being reviewed.

The drive-through testing unit will operate from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week, and enable residents to be tested without having to travel to alternative sites further away.

Councillor Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I am pleased we are able to work in partnership to provide temporary centres in the district to enable people to get tested quickly and conveniently.

“This will actively help slow the spread of Covid-19, which is so crucial at this time.”

Matthew Hopkin, contract manager for Everyone Active, which runs the leisure centre, said: “We are always keen to support our communities in any way we can.

“It’s comforting to know we’re still able to play our part during the pandemic.”

Testing is only available for those either with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to sense or taste – or those who have been asked to get tested by a doctor, public health professional or by their council.

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