A NEW walk-through coronavirus testing site has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at the University of Worcester Arena car park
Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings, care home residents and, vital health and care staff to manage outbreaks.
The new site is situated so it 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, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Testing at the new site has started today (Friday) and appointments will be made available every day.
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 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, asking 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.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said: “If you book an appointment at a local walk through testing site please avoid using public transport and instead walk or cycle if you can. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing and wearing a face covering while at the centre.
“By expanding our local testing sites and offering the extra ‘on foot’ option, we are making it even easier for people to get a test when they need it.”
