NEW LOCAL TESTING SITE OPENED IN CONNAH’S QUAY

A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Civic Hall, Connah's Quay (CH5 4HA) as part of the UK Government’s drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities across the UK.

Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The government is committed to continue expanding the capacity of the network of UK test sites and laboratories to make it even easier to get tested and reduce the time it takes to receive test results.

The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. 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 while travelling to and from the testing centre. 

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Testing at the new site has started on Saturday, 5 December with appointments made available each day.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day and includes more than 600 sites across the UK, including 79 drive-through sites, 370 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five Lighthouse laboratories.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said:

 “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said:

 “Walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.

 “Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

“The network of testing centres set up across the length and breadth of Wales by the UK Government and its partners is truly impressive.

“It is vital that tests are accessible and easily available for all as we continue the effort to prevent the spread of the virus. Walk-through centres, like this one in Deeside, are crucial in achieving that goal.”  

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

Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: 

“Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running. Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.” 

NOTES:

1. Everyone with symptoms can book or order a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus. Those unable to access the internet can call 119 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or 0800 028 2816 in Scotland to book a test.
2. See more information on visiting a local test site
3. The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which can be done by the person themselves (self-administered) or by someone else (assisted). Those being tested may experience some mild discomfort but it should not hurt.
4. Testing and tracing are central to the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy. To stop the spread of the virus, everyone will need to play their part by isolating if symptomatic, booking a test as soon as possible, and if asked to do so, identifying their close contacts. This is the best way to enable life to return to as close to normal as possible, for as many people as possible, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care. NHS test and trace - How it works: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works#people-who-have-had-close-contact-with-someone-who-has-coronavirus
5. On 2 November, the government announced it had reached its target of 500,000 testing capacity by the end of October: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/500000-daily-testing-capacity-reached-in-ongoing-drive-to-boost-test-and-trace
6. Information on labs is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-test-and-trace-how-we-test-your-samples/nhs-test-and-trace-how-we-test-your-samples