New walk-through virus test centre

A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened in Washington.

The centre, in the car park at Sunderland College’ s site in Stone Cellar Road in Us worth, is for people exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms, including 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 at nhs. uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The new site is easily accessible without a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the centre.

Anyone attending will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

The centre is being operated in partnership with Sodexo and will offer selfadministered tests.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts.

This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of anyone who tests positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace service and will be asked them to stay at home for ten days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.