Walk-in testing centre opens up
A walk-through test centre has been launched to offer people showing signs of coronavirus access to better testing.
The site has been set up in the car park of the Sunderland College Washington Campus and opened on Tuesday.
It is the city's third Local Testing Site of its kind, joining the Commercial Road in Hendon and the Johnson Street on the University of Sunderland's City Campus.
It offers easy and ready access to testing for people without access to a car or who would rather walk than drive to a test centre and operates from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Gerry Taylor, Sunderland City Council's Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning, said: "This is all about making it easier for our residents, particularly those without access to a car, to get tested for Covid-19.
"The Commercial Road and Johnson Street Local Testing Sites have worked really well in terms of offering walk-through access to testing and also more choice so
it's really good news for Washington residents to have access to a site closer to home."
She added: "Anyone who has Covid symptoms should isolate immediately and book a test.
"It’s also important that their entire household also isolates until they have the results of the test and then follows the advice they are given.
“It's more important than ever to stick to the guidelines as restrictions continue to ease with the opening of non essential retail and hospitality venues now able to serve food and drinks outdoors as long as they're able to socially distance customers.”
Appointments must be booked through the national Covid-19 booking system – nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
Tests are 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 have been asked to get tested by a doctor, public health professional or council.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test without delay and can expect a result within 72 hours.
Anyone testing positive in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts.