TAMESIDE residents are alerted to a new, semi-permanent walk-through Covid-19 local testing site which has been set up on the council car park at Beeley Street, Hyde.
It is in addition to the testing site at Darnton Road and is available to book appointments for those who have any symptoms of coronavirus.
It is separate and different to the recently opened asymptomatic testing sites for those who have to come into contact with others at work, which are for people who do not have symptoms.
The site is now fully operational with appointments available 2pm-5pm on Tues, Jan 26; 10am-5pm on Wed, Jan 27; and 8am-8pm on Fri, Jan 28, with appointments made available each day.
A pre-booked appointment will be essential before attending the site, and these can be booked via the national portal www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by phoning 119. When booking a test at the Hyde site the walk-in option will need to be selected on the national portal.
Residents can arrive on foot or by car with parking available on site. They will be guided into and through purpose-built cabins for their test and the process should take about 10 minutes. Site staff will have access to translators through telephone.
Availability of tests is determined by national capacity and appointments are released at different times throughout the day, so it is worthwhile to keep trying for an appointment. People should only book a test if they have symptoms.
Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council’s executive member for adult social care and population health, said: “Testing is absolutely key to tracking the virus, that’s why it’s vital that anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms gets tested.
“This new facility makes getting tested all the more accessible and so I urge anyone who develops symptoms to book and attend a test, taking advantage of this new site.
“I would also remind people the Beeley Street Hyde testing site is only for those with symptoms – any Tameside workers who have to come into contact with others at work and who do not have symptoms can access regular testing at our asymptomatic testing sites at Dukinfield and Stalybridge.
“Testing, and self-isolation remains one of the most effective ways to break the chain of transmission and prevent the virus from spreading. Our double pronged approach to testing in Tameside and the uptake by residents is essential to help to protect our local Tameside community.”
If you have symptoms of Covid-19 (high temperature, new, continuous cough or a loss of or change in your normal send of taste of smell), please stay at home for 10 days and only leave the house to get tested. It is nothing to be nervous about – it’s simple, safe, and confidential and will help protect everyone.
Book a test at http://www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. Tests may also be available at the Darnton Road site and Etihad Stadium.