Temporary coronavirus testing facility opened in West Lancashire

A new temporary coronavirus testing facility has been set up in Lancashire.
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The new centre, at the Nye Bevan Swimming Pool car park in Skelmersdale, has been organised by the Department of Health and Social Care, working with the armed forces and the NHS.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum wants people to be aware that appointments are required to attend and people must not just turn up.

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Testing will be taking place until Wednesday, May 6. They can be arranged through the Government’s coronavirus testing webpage.

Medical staff take a sample at another temporary testing facility, similar to the one being set up in Skelmersdale.Medical staff take a sample at another temporary testing facility, similar to the one being set up in Skelmersdale.
Medical staff take a sample at another temporary testing facility, similar to the one being set up in Skelmersdale.

The government have updated their eligibility for testing. As well as key workers, it now includes anyone showing symptoms, who is also aged over 65 or working at a different place to their home.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health for Lancashire, said: “We know that this situation is a difficult time for people. Through testing we can understand more about the scale of this situation and help us to bring normal life back again, once it’s appropriate to do so.

“Mobile testing sites helps us to prioritise certain areas, by adding additional capacity for a short time where it will have the most benefit.

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“By testing key workers and their families if they’re showing symptoms, we can keep vital services running at this time and protect the key workers themselves.”

Other testing sites are already in operation at Preston College and Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum is working closely with partner organisations to create additional mobile and satellite testing sites in the county. This includes mobile testing for care home staff.

People experiencing symptoms must follow the government and NHS advice.

You can find out more or book a coronavirus test at: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested