A new walk-through testing centre for people with symptoms of Covid-19 has opened in Tameside.
The semi-permanent site has launched at a council car park at Beeley Street in Hyde, and is already open for pre-booked appointments.
Residents who are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms and need to get a test will be able to arrive at the Hyde centre on foot or by car, and there is car parking available at the site.
It will be open between 8am to 8pm from Friday, January 28, every day of the week.
Tests can be booked through the national government portal online or by phoning 119, and should take around ten minutes. Staff on site will also access to translators via telephone.
The testing centre is in addition to the existing site at Darnton Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, and is a different entity to the sites set up to test people without symptoms.
It is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.
Councillor Eleanor Wills, cabinet member for population health said: “Testing is absolutely key to tracking the virus, that’s why it’s vital that anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms gets tested.
“This new facility makes getting tested all the more accessible and so I urge anyone who develops symptoms to book and attend a test, taking advantage of this new site.
“I would also remind people that the Beeley Street Hyde testing site is only for those with symptoms – any Tameside workers who have to come into contact with others at work and who do not have symptoms can access regular testing at our asymptomatic testing sites at Dukinfield and Stalybridge.
“Testing, and self-isolation remains one of the most effective ways to break the chain of transmission and prevent the virus from spreading.
“Our double-pronged approach to testing in Tameside and the uptake by residents is essential to help to protect our local Tameside community.”
The three main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, and a loss or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts to help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further infections.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also be asked 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.
Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said it was part of ongoing work to expand the testing network across the UK.
Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said: “New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live.
“If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”
