TWO new ‘pop up’ symptom-free testing sites are opening in Warrington this week in Burtonwood and Lymm, as well as a new NHS (PCR) testing site for people with COVID-19 symptoms at Birchwood.
The expansion of the testing programme comes as some restrictions are carefully eased following the national lockdown, with more people in need of a regular coronavirus test.
Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health, said: “We’re pleased to be expanding our coronavirus testing programme which now covers more areas across Warrington. Residents will soon be able to choose from five symptom-free testing sites if they are required to take a lateral flow test or have to leave their home for work or to provide care.
“These people will be more likely to come into contact with the virus, so increased testing will help to protect those who need to leave their homes on a regular basis. Getting tested regularly at one of our symptom-free testing sites is an essential part of the roadmap out of lockdown as it will help to identify and isolate cases where people are not displaying symptoms who could unknowingly pass the virus on to others. This will help to reduce the risk of transmission and keep the number of cases in Warrington down.
“Coronavirus rates in Warrington have increased slightly, so it’s vital that you and anyone in your household self-isolates immediately if you develop any symptoms. You should book a test at one of the NHS test sites while self-isolating and only leave home to take the test. This is the most important action you can take, as this will help to break chains of transmission and help protect people who you would have come into close contact with.”
Five symptom-free testing sites will be in operation across Warrington from the week commencing 22 March, with two main sites at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Grappenhall, and three ‘pop ups’ in Croft, Lymm and Burtonwood.
The symptom-free testing sites are:
· Halliwell Jones Stadium – open weekdays, 12noon to 6pm and Saturdays, 8.30am to 3.30pm
· Grappenhall Cricket Club – open weekdays, 12noon to 6pm and Saturdays, 8.30am to 3.30pm until 31 March
· Grappenhall Parish Centre (previously Grappenhall Cricket Club) – open weekdays, 8am to 2pm and Saturdays 8.30am to 3.30pm from 1 April
· Burtonwood Community Centre – open Mondays only from 22 March, 7.30am to 2pm
· Lymm Village Hall – open Wednesdays only, 24 March, 1pm to 7pm
· Croft Youth and Activity Centre – open Thursdays only, 2pm to 7pm
In Warrington, there are also sites available for people who have coronavirus symptoms to get tested. Currently, NHS (PCR) testing sites are open on Academy Way in the town centre and at the mobile testing unit at Orford Jubilee Hub. There will also be an additional testing site available in the coming weeks in Birchwood at Spencer House car park, adjacent to Birchwood Shopping Centre.
These NHS sites are for those who are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus, including a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss of normal taste or smell.
You must not turn up to any of the council’s symptom-free testing sites if you have any COVID symptoms, no matter how mild, and should instead book an NHS test through gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 if you do not have internet access.
For more information about testing in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/TestandTrace
