New coronavirus testing centre opens in Preston - this is everything you need to know

A new coronavirus testing centre is opening in Preston as the city struggles to bring its soaring case rate down.
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The new testing centre will open on Monday (September 14) next to Moor Park and will be open 7 days a week, between 10am – 3pm.

The Moor Park testing site will use the former Parks depot, next to Deepdale Bowling Club, and will be accessible via Moor Park Avenue. Parking will be available at Moor Park car park in Deepdale Road (opposite PNE).

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It will replace the mobile testing site at Issa Medical Centre car park in St Gregory Road, Deepdale, which only offered tests to those without symptoms.

The new testing centre will open in the former Parks depot next to Moor Park on Monday (September 14) and will be open 7 days a week, between 10am – 3pmThe new testing centre will open in the former Parks depot next to Moor Park on Monday (September 14) and will be open 7 days a week, between 10am – 3pm
The new testing centre will open in the former Parks depot next to Moor Park on Monday (September 14) and will be open 7 days a week, between 10am – 3pm

The community testing centre at Preston Markets will remain in operation, with its usual opening hours of 10am – 3pm Monday to Saturday.

Councillor Matthew Brown, leader at Preston City Council, said: "The number of cases and positivity rate continues to follow a worrying trend in Preston.

"The advice from the director of public health has been clear that increased testing has an essential role to play in managing the spike and in gathering more evidence to collate a clearer picture of the situation.

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"More than ever, it is essential that we all play a role in stopping the spread of the virus by following the guidelines. None of us want to be the one who passes it on to our loved ones.

The Moor Park testing site will use the former Parks depot, and will be accessible via Moor Park Avenue. Parking will be available at Moor Park car park in Deepdale Road (opposite PNE)The Moor Park testing site will use the former Parks depot, and will be accessible via Moor Park Avenue. Parking will be available at Moor Park car park in Deepdale Road (opposite PNE)
The Moor Park testing site will use the former Parks depot, and will be accessible via Moor Park Avenue. Parking will be available at Moor Park car park in Deepdale Road (opposite PNE)

"I’d also like to thank Issa Medical Centre for their patience and help in hosting this community testing site over the past number of weeks.

"Appreciation also goes to the many staff and volunteers who have assisted in a variety of roles through this difficult time."

Who can get tested at the new centre?

The new Moor Park testing centre is open to all Preston residents regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

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But the city council has warned that due to increased demand, those who do not live in Preston might be turned away.

A city council spokesman said: "In light of the evolving situation, increased demand on testing and significant rise in cases in Preston, non-residents might be turned away from the site as residents will be prioritised.

"Our thanks go to Issa Medical Centre for their generosity in allowing us use of their car park over the past few weeks, along with the many community and Councillor volunteer helpers who have played a vital role."

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health for Lancashire, added: "The pandemic is still with us, which is why people must keep themselves safe by following the guidance such as good hand washing, wearing a face covering and keeping a distance from people who aren’t in your household or bubble.

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"Please get tested, so that you can avoid spreading it to people you care about.

"Thank you to people for all that you are doing to protect yourselves and each other.

"If we all do what we can individually, then we can keep the case numbers down and continue with more normal daily lives."

Anyone from outside the Preston district experiencing symptoms should go online to www.gov.uk or call NHS 119 to book a test at a regional centre, which are managed nationally.

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