Mobile COVID-19 testing centre opens

A mobile COVID-19 testing centre has opened in Sunderland for essential workers and members of their household who have coronavirus symptoms.

The armed forces and NHS England have arranged for another mobile-testing site at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre on Silksworth Lane, Sunderland.

It was open yesterday and will be open and from 11am to 3pm on Monday.

It is part of a network of drive-through regional testing sites which respond to need, travelling to test essential workers.

Essential workers and members of their household with coronavirus symptoms are eligible for a COVID-19 test which can be booked online in advance.

Those who are eligible to be tested must book one online as those who just turn up will not be tested.

The mobile testing centre was originally due to be located at Pallion Retail Park, Sunderland.

Coronavirus symptoms are: A high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste.

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud, which can be done by the person themselves (selfadministered) or by someone else (assisted).

This test can tell you if you have coronavirus at the time the swab sample is taken.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria can book an appointment via the Government website at https:// www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test

The site also details who is eligible for testing.