ANOTHER COVID-19 TESTING CENTRE TO OPEN IN COVENTRY
13 August 2020
A third COVID-19 testing centre is to open its doors in Coventry today (13th August).
Like the other two, test appointments must be booked in advance by visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119 before attending.
The new facility will be the first in the city to offer appointments to people who arrive by foot for those who live locally and will operate in Broad Street, Foleshill.
It will open on Thursday 13 August and the move is part of an ongoing drive to improve accessibility for coronavirus testing for local communities.
The local testing site at Broad Street will complement the two drive-in facilities including the regional testing centre at the Ricoh Arena and the mobile unit currently based in Moat Street car park, close to the SkyDome in the city centre.
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, must get a test to help stop the spread of the virus and protect family and friends around them. It is part of the national test and trace initiative that is an important part of reducing the risks and managing the virus.
Tests are free and take less than a minute. Results from tests are normally returned within 24-48 hours.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, washing their hands thoroughly before and after and wearing a face covering throughout, including travelling to and from the testing unit.
Anyone attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely. Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities. Home testing is also available for anyone who can’t get to out.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Coventry City Council said: “This new walk-in centre will make it even easier for anyone who think they have coronavirus symptoms to get a test done simply and quickly.
“Test and trace is a vital part of helping to get this virus under control and making sure we’re protecting the people we know and love. Everyone needs to do their bit, and getting a test if you think you may have the virus is key.”
Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health at Coventry City Council, added: “The importance of test and trace in controlling the virus cannot be understated. Simply put, if you have any symptoms at all, you need to get a test.
“It is now easier than ever to get your test done in Coventry, with two drive-in and one walk-in centre, it is safe and simple to get your test done and help to trace the spread of the virus. It’s not only for your own peace of mind, but for the safety and wellbeing of the people around you.”
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Book your test online on the NHS website or by calling 119.