Shropshire Star

Testing centre to open seven days a week - as those who cannot work from home urged to get tested twice a week

A town's rapid Covid testing centre will now be open seven days a week in the battle against the virus.

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People who are not working from home in the Shrewsbury area are being encouraged to get tested every four days

The Shrewsbury centre, at The Lantern in Harlescott, is now open from 8am until 8pm, all week, providing people with test results in around 30 minutes.

Public health officials have urged people who can not work from home to book and get themselves tested up to twice a week.

Since Shropshire Council launched the rapid testing system in December more than 1,000 tests have been carried out.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “Unfortunately, like many areas across the country, Shropshire’s current rates of infection are still worryingly high.

“Community testing has a big role to play in driving infection rates down, but it only works as part of a whole suite of measures including effective contact tracing, following the guidance around socialising and self-isolation and the rollout of the vaccines.

“Getting tested doesn’t mean people can stop social distancing, wearing face coverings or washing their hands, but it does help to make the activities they are undertaking safer.

“People who come to be tested will be given one of the rapid lateral flow tests which give results in about 30 minutes.

“By getting tested, you are doing the right thing and ultimately helping people to stay well, businesses to stay open, children to stay in school and hospitals to have the capacity to treat other illness.”

Impact

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said: “I know and appreciate the efforts everyone is making to be responsible and to try and prevent the spread of the virus.

"But it is now more important than ever for us all to follow the national guidance to keep the rates down, and our loved ones safe.

“These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested and be sure that at that particular moment they are Covid-19 free. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.”

Slots are available for frontline workers at the following sites: The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG, every day – 8am to 8pm; Craven Arms Community Centre, Newington Way, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9PS, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 9.15am to 4pm, and Sundays 9.30am to 12.30pm.

All tests must be booked in advance using the link www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/

The rapid tests are in addition to tests for people with Covid symptoms.

If you have symptoms, book a test by calling 119 or online www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

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