Council reminds residents on how to get COVID-19 tested with rates still high in Warrington

WITH rates of COVID-19 still high in Warrington, residents are being reminded on how to get tested for coronavirus by Warrington Borough Council.

The asymptomatic testing sites at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Grappenhall Cricket Club are available for people who cannot work from home and have no coronavirus symptoms.
You don’t need to book in advance to visit either rapid asymptomatic community testing sites. There will be queue management processes in place at both sites, so that those that live and work in Warrington, who cannot work from home, and those who provide care to others, can visit either site at any point during the general opening times.
If your result is positive, you are now required to self-isolate by law, even if you subsequently obtain a negative confirmatory NHS coronavirus (PCR) test result. A confirmatory test is only required if you work for the NHS, in adult social care, or you are a cross-channel haulier and you have been tested as part of an asymptomatic testing workplace programme. A home testing programme will shortly be introduced for staff working within primary schools, and anybody who tests positive via this route will also be required to book a confirmatory NHS coronavirus (PCR) test.
If required, you can book a confirmatory NHS coronavirus (PCR) test via gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 if you do not have internet access.
NHS Test and Trace will contact you following a positive result to identify any close contacts. This also means that you will be eligible to apply for the Test and Trace Support Payment. More information about eligibility and how to apply can be viewed at warrington.gov.uk/self-isolation
If your test is negative, it is absolutely vital that you continue following the national restrictions in place.
If you are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, including a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss of normal taste or smell, you must not turn up to either of the asymptomatic testing sites and should instead book an NHS coronavirus (PCR) test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
For those with COVID-19 symptoms, NHS coronavirus (PCR) tests are available at nearby testing sites, including the Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, and can be booked via gov.uk. It’s important that both you and all members of your household self-isolate and only leave home to take the coronavirus test.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The increased testing using Lateral Flow Tests at our asymptomatic testing sites and PCR tests at NHS testing sites means that we can identify new cases of coronavirus more quickly, even in people who are displaying no symptoms.
“The main way to prevent the virus spreading is for those with any coronavirus symptoms to take swift action. If you have any COVID symptoms, no matter how mild, you should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS PCR test via the government’s website at any nearby testing site, including the mobile testing unit in at Orford Jubilee Hub.
“If you cannot work from home, or provide care to others, and have no coronavirus symptoms, you should get tested regularly at one of the asymptomatic testing sites to make sure you are not unknowingly spreading the virus to others. Regular testing will help us to reduce the risk of transmission within the community and help keep people as safe as possible.”
Thara Raj Director of Public Health said: “With rates of coronavirus still high in Warrington it is important that people who test positive either through a symptomatic or asymptomatic test site self-isolate immediately to stop the spread of the virus.
“For more information about support available through local volunteers, visit Warrington Voluntary Action’s website. Or, email the team at [email protected] or call 01925 246881”
Find out more about coronavirus testing and how to book the most appropriate test at warrington.gov.uk/TestandTrace