Coronavirus: New test centre opens for Leicestershire key workers

Testers are now on duty at the Birstall Park and Ride to examine the condition of people who have symptoms of the disease who work in the NHS, social care, education, food and drink production, transportation and many other essential services, as well as people in their households.

If the test is negative for everyone in the household, workers will be able to get back to carrying out their critical roles as soon as possible.

The new centre, which is on Loughborough Road and is just off the junction of the A6 and A46 north of the city, is the first in Leicestershire and adds to the existing local test venue at Boots in Beeston, Nottingham, which was considered by some county key workers to be too remote, particularly those who don’t have their own transport.

Dr Nick Glover, who is the clinical lead for the testing programme for the clinical commissioning groups in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland said: “Essential workers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can now use the local test facility.

“We’d like any essential workers, who are already self-isolating because they, or someone they live with, are in the first three days of developing symptoms, to refer themselves for a test straight away.

“They can do this either through their employer or by referring themselves.”

Appointments for testing at the Birstall site must be made in advance - visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus to book a slot.

If they are referred by employers, essential workers will receive a text message containing a website link and a verification code for them to book a test for themselves and the people they live with.

The results will be sent to the individual by text message within 48 hours.

People should aim to have the test, which consists of a swab to the mouth and nose, within the first three days of the onset of symptoms.

Essential workers are therefore urged to get referred for a test as soon as they develop symptoms and begin self-isolating.

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council, who jointly operate the Birstall Park and Ride site, have been working with the three local clinical commissioning groups to get the local facility up and running as part of the government’s plans to extend testing to essential workers.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “The county council owns the park and ride site, operated jointly with the city council. “We are pleased to be able to make it available to assist the response to the pandemic and to make it easier for our key frontline workers to get tested.

“It is being set up in a really short time and it’s a great partnership effort with the government and its contractors.”

Home testing is also now available whereby staff can receive test kits through the post and return directly to testing labs.

Go online to www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested for list of key workers eligible for testing.