Residents urged to seek Covid-19 tests throughout week
The cabinet member for health and adult social care has made a plea to all Dudley borough residents to isolate immediately and book a test whenever they are showing symptoms of Covid-19.
udley borough has seen a significant increase in virus cases and is now the highest in the region, as it continues to battle against the second wave of the pandemic.
People can access testing seven days a week and residents are reminded to seek testing whenever they become symptomatic as uptake of testing is 21 per cent lower at weekends.
Dudley borough currently has four testing sites. The main two testing units are located at Flood Street car park (off Oakeywell Street) in Dudley and on Jackson Street car park in Lye.
There are also two temporary mobile test sites located at Brierley Hill and Himley Hall (access through West Gate entry only), these are drive through only and people should not attempt to access the sites on foot.
Appointments must be made in advance by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, people must not turn up without an appointment.
All those attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from their designated test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:
We have seen a concerning upsurge in Covid-19 cases in our borough and as the NHS continues to increase local testing capacity, I am asking anyone displaying symptoms, no matter how mild, to isolate and book a test.
It is vital that we all continue to follow the national restrictions, stay at home and save lives, remember hands, face, space and download the Covid-19 to help protect ourselves and others.
The test centres are being very well used but there is less uptake at the weekends, which is why we would like to remind residents that they can be tested seven days a week.
Anyone with symptoms must contact the NHS Test and Trace service immediately, regardless of the day of the week, to book a test appointment in advance by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Symptoms of Covid-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough and or a loss of taste or smell.
Testing is vital to stop the spread of coronavirus in local communities. 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, asking 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.
All people attending the centres must wear a face covering, with the exception of children under three years old, who must observe social distancing on site. Children over three will only be admitted if they are wearing a face covering. If they cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons, then they should request a home test.