Shifnal mayor welcomes town's first Covid test centre

Councillor Robert Harrop said the launch of the facility, which opened today, will mark an important contribution by the town in the national effort to stop the spread and encouraged residents to make full use of it.

The site on Aston Street Car Park is open from 10am to 3pm and is available to anyone showing one of the main Covid-19 symptoms such as a high temperature, a new cough or a change in sense of taste or smell.

Residents are also being encouraged to book a test if they have any of the less common symptoms, including shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, feeling very tired for no good reason, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing or nausea in children.

Councillor Harrop said: "Shifnal Town Council is pleased that it can make a small contribution to the national effort to fight the virus by making the town's car park available for the mobile testing site."

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council's director of public health said: "We are now at a critical point in our fight against the virus here in Shropshire.

“Effective testing for Covid-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections. Shifnal residents with lesser-known Covid-19 symptoms can now get tested at this site.

“A national lockdown gives everyone a simple, straightforward message, stay at home, and we are pleading with people to follow that advice – not only to protect themselves and their loved ones, but our local NHS workers as well, who are coming under increasing pressure.

“It is well known that this new variant is easier to catch, so we must continue to be vigilant and act like we all have Covid-19. Every social contact provides the virus with a chance to spread so please, stay at home and don’t make any unnecessary journeys.”

Councillor Harrop added: "The town council fully supports the comments of the director of public health and encourages individuals in the town to fully utilise this facility should they develop any of the indicated symptoms. Stay at home and stay safe."

To book a test, call 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus

In addition to the test centre, local support can be given to those in need via the Shifnal Help group on 01952462271.