New Covid-19 testing unit opens in Wellingborough town centre

A walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened at Wellingborough's Market Square.

It is part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute.

Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and you can expect your result the next day.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre).

Testing at the new site started from 2pm today (Wednesday, August 26).

Wellingborough Council leader Martin Griffiths said: "Getting a test is now faster and easier than ever.

"I am very pleased that this local site is in operation and that anyone who has symptoms can get a free test quickly to find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or can safely return to work and get back to the things they love.

"Over 95 per cent of people will get their results the next day, and anyone who tests positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help to prevent the spread of the virus.”

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.

Gordon Brockington, G4S director, said: “We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK.

"It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our employees to step up and support the government, our health services and the public during this crisis.”

The Wellingborough site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, including 73 drive-through sites, 45 walk-through sites, 236 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five laboratories.

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

This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

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 if they develop symptoms.

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