South Ribble gets new Covid test centre

The facility is located at South Ribble Borough Council’s headquarters at the Civic Centre and will be operational from Sunday (4th October).

Only people who have Covid symptoms will be eligible to get tested and appointments must be booked in advance via the NHS website or by calling 119.

The semi-permanent testing station has arrived in the borough following difficulties reported by residents in getting access to a test when they need one.

Last month, community testing facilities in Preston were closed to residents from outside the city council area because of demand.

Council leader Paul Foster said the Civic Centre facility, on West Paddock, could be in place for between three and six months – and he hopes to soon see it upgraded.

“At the moment, it is only a walk-up unit – so you can’t come through by car. But we’ll start with that for now, because we said that we were going to do everything that we could to get a testing station here in the borough.

“When testing capacity increases, then we may be able to offer asymptomatic testing as well, but currently it is only for use by people with symptoms.

“My view is that the case numbers are now of control – we all have that false hope when we see the figures dip on one particular day, but the second wave is clearly happening,” warned Cllr Foster, appealing to residents follow the basic rules on social distancing and self-isolation if they are unwell or have been in contact with someone who is.

A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care said: "Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout - including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

"Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities."

South Ribble’s Covid case rate hit a new high in the week to 28th September, mirroring the picture in neighbouring Preston and Ribble Valley.

The regional Covid test centre for Lancashire is now also based in South Ribble, at the Capitol Centre in Walton-le-Dale, after moving from Preston’s College. Pre-booked appointments are also required for that site, which is a drive-through facility.

Meanwhile, there have been no changes to the Lancashire-wide additional Covid restrictions this week following an earlier-than-usual announcement on the subject from the health secretary Matt Hancock in the Commons on Thursday, when he also introduced new measures in areas including Merseyside.