City gets three new test sites
Sunderland is to get three new walk-through testing sites to help improve accessibility to Covid 19 testing – with the first set to open on today.
The site of the first new test centres will be at Johnson Street, Millfield, on the University of Sunderland's City Campus.
It is expected to open as a pilot site on Wednesday before becoming fully operational by theweekend. The other two for which sites are in the process of being identified, are anticipated to come on line in the coming weeks.
The news comes after the university confirmed another 41 cases of Covid-19, with both students and staff testing positive.
Known as Local Testing Sites (LTS), health chiefs say these will offer easy and ready access to testing for people without access to a car or who would rather walk than drive to a test centre.
Each of the sites, which are walk-throughonly,willbeopen from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, once they are fully up and running.
Cllr Dr Geoffrey Walker, cabinet member for Healthy City, said: "There have been issues with people being able to access the tests they need and we have been lobbying the Government for more testing capacity so we're pleased to have been able to secure these new sites.
"This is all about making it easier for our residents to get tested for Covid-19, particularly those without access to a car.
"We have seen a sharp rise in the number of Covid cases across the city and the wider
North East in recent weeks, with widespread household transmission. So it's vital that anyone who has Covid symptoms seeks out a test as soon as possible."
Testing is available for everyone with Covid-19 symptoms with additional support for vulnerable groups or those with disabilities. Appointmentsmustbebookedthrough the national Covid-19 booking system – nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
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 local council.
Anyone with symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/ coronavirus or by calling 119. You can expect your result within 72 hours.