THE HAGARD Community Centre in Willenhall opened its doors on Tuesday as Coventry’s latest Covid-19 testing site.
In total, seven have opened since Christmas and give the city the capability of carrying out more than 7,500 tests-a-day.
The other six centres are at the Transport Museum in the city centre, the Indian Community Centre in Foleshill, the Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre in Wood End, the Alan Higgs Centre off Allard Way, the AT7 Centre off the A444 and the Xcel Centre in Westwood.
Coventry City Council leader Coun George Duggins said: “The Hagard Centre has been serving local people for many years, and I’d like to thank everyone there and our partners at all our sites for their help in such a vital project for our city.
“It has been a real team effort and it’s wonderful to see everyone working together as a city to beat this virus and keep everyone safe.”
Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health, added: “Having seven centres in such key locations is fantastic news for the city.
“Our message to people is please use these centres – it is a quick and easy process and taking just a few minutes a week could mean the difference between protecting others or unwittingly putting them at risk.”
“Also, please remember the Hands, Face, Space guidance and do everything you can to limit the spread – even if you have a clear test, please wear a mask in public, wash your hands, and keep to social distancing.”
Community testing is for anyone not showing symptoms of coronavirus and there is no need to book an appointment.
People take their own swabs and results are usually back within an hour.
The centres’ opening hours are 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and between 10am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Anyone with Covid symptoms should visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
Visit coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.
