Two new Covid-19 testing sites with easy accessibility to open in Northumberland

Two more local Covid-19 testing centres are to open in Northumberland.
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The centres, at the Sandstell car park in Spittal, and the former fire station site at Tyne Mills Industrial Estate, Hexham form part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.

These local testing sites, which add to those already running in Blyth and Ashington, can easily be accessed on foot, as opposed to the mobile testing units in the county which are drive-through only.

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Testing at the new sites will start on Friday, November 13 in Berwick and Saturday, November 14 in Hexham, and there will be additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities who require a test.

Sandstell car park in Spittal is being turned into a Covid-19 testing site.Sandstell car park in Spittal is being turned into a Covid-19 testing site.
Sandstell car park in Spittal is being turned into a Covid-19 testing site.

Cllr Richard Dodd, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council with responsibility for public health, said: “Local testing centres have made it even easier to get a free coronavirus test.

"If you have symptoms, however mild, please get tested now to help stop the spread of the virus and protect the people around you. “

Cllr Georgina Hill, member for Berwick East, added: “I am delighted that we have managed to secure a local testing site for our town which will be situated in Spittal.

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"Clearly this will allow better access to testing for our residents and those in the surrounding area.”

Public health consultant, Jim Brown, said: “These testing sites are purpose-built locations where people who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus.

“These are walk-through sites which means they are accessible on foot, as opposed to by car, but we must stress appointments are still required before attending to ensure that sites have enough capacity to meet demand and prevent them from becoming overcrowded.”

Anyone that tests positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.

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Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test only if they develop symptoms.

Only those with coronavirus symptoms should book a test. Tests are by appointment only and must be booked as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus

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