‘Get tested’ plea goes out as infections rise
With infection rates still high, anyone who needs a coronavirus test is being urged to take up the offer at sites across the region.
Government figures show that more than 10,800 people have now tested positive for the virus in Shropshire, while in Telford & Wrekin the figure has passed 7,800.
As hospitals across the region are braced for the most critical period of the pandemic, more than 370 people have already died at the county’s health trusts after testing positive.
Health bosses in the county say it is crucial people continue to follow the Government’s guidelines to curb the spread of the virus and anyone showing symptoms must urgently self-isolate and get tested.
The main symptoms are a high temperature, new continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
See the latest coronavirus news here
In addition to drive-through testing centres in locations such as the Ironbridge Park and Ride and Randlay Valley car park, people can also apply for a home testing kit or use one of the walk-in testing sites with an appointment.
But those with less common symptoms, such as headaches, aches, shortness of breath or a runny nose, are also being asked to consider getting tested as a precaution.
There are a number of testing sites across Shropshire which can be booked online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
People can use the option of “my council has asked me to book a test” if they have the other symptoms.
Anyone who is a key worker or has a job which means they cannot work from home, can book a rapid Covid-19 test at sites in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms.
Rapid tests, which can be booked at www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting, are for people who are asymptomatic.
In Telford & Wrekin, rapid tests are available at The Place in Oakengates.
Liz Noakes, Telford & Wrekin’s director for public health, says one in three people with Covid-19 will show no symptoms, making it even more necessary to book a test if needed.
'Crucial'
“It is crucial that people regularly wash hands, wear face coverings, and social distance 100 per cent of the time,” she said.
“If you show any symptoms of coronavirus you must urgently self-isolate and get tested, getting a test is one of the reasons people can leave home in this lockdown.
“The rapid testing centre at the Place, Oakengates, is now open to any resident who is not displaying symptoms to get tested – especially those people who can’t avoid leaving home for work.
“We face a difficult couple of months, it will take time for infections to fall to decline to a more acceptable level – thank you to everyone who is doing their part during this lockdown.”
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said effective testing for Covid-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections.
“Most people display at least one of the three key symptoms, but symptoms can also include shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, fatigue and sickness,” he said.
“These are lesser known symptoms, but have been identified as being related to coronavirus.”
