Even more ways to take Covid tests with two new centres opening in Coventry in the coming days - The Coventry Observer

Even more ways to take Covid tests with two new centres opening in Coventry in the coming days

Coventry Editorial 9th Apr, 2021   0

A MOBILE testing unit will be visiting two key Coventry locations in the coming days to help even more people take a Covid-19 test.

The unit will be at The War Memorial Park tomorrow and Sunday, April 10 and 11, and in Broadgate from Monday, April 12, to next Sunday, April 18.

People are being encouraged to call in and take the opportunity to take a test and make sure they are virus-free.

The unit is in addition to the seven Community Testing Centres around the city, which are also now offering a collection service so people can carry out tests at home. People are being encouraged to take tests twice a week and the mobile unit will help to make that possible.




It is open to people without any symptoms of COVID-19 and will help to reassure people that they are not unknowingly carrying the virus and passing it on when they go to work or are out and about in the city.

Nationally, one in three people with coronavirus show no symptoms, and Lateral Flow Tests across Coventry have so far resulted in 1,090 positive cases since December – people who would otherwise never have known they had the virus.


Those who visit will carry out a Lateral Flow Test – where they swab their own nose and throat. Results are usually back within the hour.

Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health in the city, said: “As lockdown begins to ease and everyone is more active and allowed to visit more places, regular testing is vital.

“A quick test will protect your friends, family, work colleagues and the local community, so if you are unable to work from home, you have children in school, or you know you are going to be in a public setting, please follow advice and take regular tests. You should still test regularly even if you have been vaccinated.

“The mobile unit is a great addition to our sites around the city. We know the park is popular at weekends, and with the re-opening of non-essential shops, there will be more people in the city centre from Monday, and these two locations should be ideal for many.

“So if you’re enjoying a weekend walk or you are working in or visiting the shops, why not take a minute to call in and make sure you are virus-free and keeping others safe. Get tested – stop the spread!”

People can take a test, or pick up lateral flow tests to take home, at any of the city’s seven community testing centres which are at – 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, the Xcel Centre in Westwood, and the Hagard Community Centre in Willenhall. There is no need to book an appointment. Opening hours at the centres are Monday to Friday: 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

Anyone who tests positive using lateral flow tests needs to have a confirmatory PCR test at one of the symptomatic tests sites run by the Department of Health and Social Care.

People can also go to some of the local pharmacies within the city. For a full list of places where you can collect rapid lateral flow tests for home use, go to https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

Home testing kits can also be ordered online and business can register to receive their own supply of tests until Monday, April 12.

Even if you test negative, please remember to continue to follow all Government guidelines, including the wearing of face coverings and social distancing.

Anyone who has been told to self-isolate or is showing symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend a collection site. Those with any of the main Covid symptoms should call 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

To find out more about testing, coronavirus or local restrictions and support, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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