Local Testing Sites to open in Berwick and Hexham
11 Nov 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Two more Local COVID-19 Testing Centres are to open in Northumberland – in Berwick and Hexham.
The centres, at the Sandstell car park in Spittal, Berwick (TD15 1RE) and the former fire station site at Tyne Mills Industrial Estate, Hexham (NE46 1XJ) 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 can be moved around to other areas as dictated by the Department of Health and Social Care and are drive-through only.
The sites and the booking process to make appointments for a test at these sites are run by the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care, as part of their drive to improve the accessibility of COVID-19 testing for communities.
Only those with coronavirus symptoms should book a test. Tests MUST be booked as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus
Residents MUST book at test to attend either of these sites – these are by appointment only.
Testing at the new sites, chosen due their easy walking access, 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.
All the sites in Northumberland have detailed clinical operating procedures in place which have been developed in collaboration with clinical experts. The layout has been carefully designed to ensure people can move around safely and prevent spread of the virus.
All testing sites in Northumberland have been risk assessed, to ensure they do not pose any health and safety risks to the surrounding areas. This has been confirmed by the Council’s Health and Safety team following the assessment requirements put in place by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Anyone that tests 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 only if they develop symptoms.
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.”
Councillor Richard Dodd, Deputy Leader with responsibility for public health, added: “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."
The Department of Health and Social Care are responsible for the operation of the site, and any appointment slots must be booked online via nhs.uk/coronavirus