Three new walk-in test centres open in Shropshire
Three new walk-in centres set up to offer rapid coronavirus testing to workers who have no symptoms of the virus are open in Shropshire.
The testing centres are located at Bridgnorth Community Centre in Low Town, Shifnal Cricket Club and the Victoria Centre in Oswestry.
Opening hours at the walk-in rapid testing sites are from 8am-5pm daily and no prior booking is required.
Shropshire Council says these walk-in sites are in addition to council-run rapid testing facilities that are in operation in Craven Arms, Shrewsbury and Wem. All tests at these council-run centres must be booked in advance using the following link shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health said that with around one in three people with coronavirus having no symptoms, it was essential that those who have to go out to work are regularly tested so that they aren’t unwittingly spreading the virus as they carry out their essential duties.
“Even if you have no symptoms, you could still be spreading the virus – and a mild illness for you could be a life-threatening disease for someone else," she said.
“That’s why we’re encouraging people who can’t work from home to get tested at our walk-in centres. By coming forward for a test, you’ll be helping us to track down the virus and stop it from being passed on. And if you test positive, it’s really important that you self-isolate for 10 days, and that your close contacts self-isolate too. That’s the only way we’ll be able to break the chain of transmission.”
The lateral flow tests are self-administered, with staff on hand to offer guidance, and are a simple swab of the throat and the nose. Test results are available within an hour and those who can’t work from home can get tested twice a week.
"People with symptoms of coronavirus should not go to any of the rapid testing centres. Instead, they should stay at home and book a test online or by calling 119.
"Anyone with symptoms, or who tests positive for coronavirus, must not leave their home for 10 days. Other members of their household must stay at home for 10 days too, and anyone who’s told that they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus must not leave their home for 10 days either."
Council run sites were booking is required are at The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Halo Craven Arms Community Centre, Craven Arms, and the Stanier Hall, Noble Street, Wem.
Tests can be booked online at shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/
Several Shropshire pharmacies are now offering rapid testing for people who cannot work from home. Tests can be booked online using 1centralhealth.co.uk/shropshirelft
