NEW COVID-19 TEST SITE TO OPEN IN COVENTRY
14 October 2020
A fourth COVID-19 test site will open its doors on Monday 26 October, providing additional testing capacity for the city.
Like the three current test sites, the new facility on Whitefriars Car Park, Whitefriars Lane, in the city centre, will offer pre-booked appointments only.
But it will be the second test centre, along with the on Broad Street, Foleshill, that will offer appointments for people to arrive on foot. The two other facilities – at Moat Street car park in the city centre and the Ricoh Arena – are for drive-through appointments.
The new facility will open on Monday 26 October as part of the ongoing drive to improve accessibility and capacity for coronavirus testing for local communities.
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council said: “This new test site will make it even easier for anyone who thinks they have coronavirus symptoms to get a test done simply and quickly.
“With an increase of cases across the city, it has never been more important to get a test if you think you may have the virus. We all need to do our bit to make sure we’re protecting our loved ones”.
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. With a rise in cases across Coventry recently, it is more important than ever for everyone to play their part and act immediately.
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.
Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing at Coventry City Council, added: “Having another walk-in test site will be a huge benefit to the city, allowing more Coventry residents to get a test when they need to.
“Getting a test is not just for your own peace of mind but for the safety of those around you. Test results will allow you to see whether you need to self-isolate or can safely return to normal.
“I can’t stress the importance of self-isolating if you are told to do so. This is how we will reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep each other safe.”
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.
Test appointments at any of the four Coventry sites must be booked in advance by visiting the NHS website or calling 119 before attending.