Extra COVID-19 testing units to support surge testing in Chester

New testing units have opened in Chester to give residents and workers extra access to COVID-19 tests.

Residents of, and adults who work in, the CH1 3 and CH1 4 postcode areas are being asked to get a COVID-19 PCR test to help tackle the rise in positive cases of the Delta variant in Cheshire West and Chester.

People who have had a positive PCR test in the last 90 days do not need another PCR test at this time. (See below on how to book a test.)

Cheshire West and Chester Council has opened a walk-in testing centre within the priority area for surge testing to make it as accessible as possible for all residents. The Council is being supported by the University of Chester to provide a venue, with space available as the end of the academic year is reached and as part of ongoing community partnership work.

The Council’s pop-up testing bus will be in the car park of the University of Chester’s Senate House, in Cheyney Road. It will be available from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday until 3 July. No appointment is necessary. No parking is available at the site.

Two extra drive-through mobile testing units have also been opened at Sealand Road Park and Ride and Boughton Heath Park and Ride, in Whitchurch Road, CH3 5QD, where PCR test appointments can be booked from 9am to 4pm each day.

To book a test at either of these sites visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call: 119.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It’s really important that all residents and people who work in these two postcode areas get a one-off PCR test.

“These tests are sent to specialist laboratories so that we can track the spread of the Delta variant and provide an accurate result as quickly as possible so that anyone testing positive can self-isolate and protect their friends, family and community.

“We’re really grateful to the university for enabling us to use the site in Cheyney Road so that we can bring our testing facility closer to people in those key postcode areas.”

Dr Helen Galbraith, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) at the University of Chester, said: “We are working closely and proactively with colleagues at Cheshire West and Chester Council to help to combat COVID-19.

“With many students who have been in Chester returning home for the holidays and facilities, in turn, being available, we welcome the opportunity to contribute to the community testing programme by offering a venue for the new pop-up, walk-in testing bus.

“We have implemented rigorous safeguards within the University, stringently following Government guidelines to keep our sites COVID-secure. Students and staff using our facilities in person are being tested regularly.

“COVID-safety remains a top priority and we will continue to offer help where we can to support wider efforts to prevent and overcome the virus.”

The latest seven-day infection rate in the borough is 141 per 100,000 people up to 16 June. More than 85% of cases are likely to be the Delta variant.

PCR test appointments can be booked in Chester at:

• Little Roodee Testing Centre, in Castle Drive, Chester, CH1 1SL
• Sealand Road Park and Ride Testing Centre, Blacon, Chester, CH1 4QL
• Sealand Road Park and Ride Mobile Testing Unit, Blacon, Chester, CH1 4LD
• Boughton Heath Park and Ride Mobile Testing Unit, 125 Whitchurch Road, CH3 5QD

• To book visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call: 119.

• Drop-in PCR tests, no appointment necessary, are available at:

• Chester Cathedral, St Werbergh Street
• Pop-up testing bus in the car park at the University of Chester’s Senate House, Cheyney Road, CH1 4BJ

  Where tests are available without an appointment there may be a long wait.  There is also no parking at these sites.  We therefore encourage people to book a test at the Little Roodee, Sealand Road or Boughton Heath sites.

  Residents are also reminded of the importance of undertaking LFTs twice weekly and are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.

  LFT tests are available at:

• Chester Cathedral, St Werbergh Street
• Little Roodee Testing Centre
• Sealand Road Testing Centre

Chester Cathedral is open from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.  LFTs tests can be collected from Little Roodee and Sealand Road Local Testing Centres from 2pm to 8pm.

LFT test kits can also be collected from participating pharmacies.

For more information visit:

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/c19testing