New Covid test centre to open in Lancashire

A mobile coronavirus test and trace unit is to be sited in Longridge.

Ribble Valley residents with symptoms of Coronavirus will be able to get tested by appointment at the Civic Hall Car Park.

The unit will be stationed at the car park from 10am to 3pm each day on the following dates:

Monday, January 25 to Wednesday, January 27; Monday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 3; Tuesday, February 9 to Wednesday 10 February; Monday, February 15 to Wednesday, February 17; Monday, February 22 to Tuesday, February 23.

Residents must book a test online at gov.uk and the registration process takes about five minutes.

A council spokesman said: “The unit is a drive-in facility, but if visiting on foot you are asked to follow public health guidelines around social distancing and wear a face covering.

“You should return home immediately after the test and continue to self-isolate until you receive the result. The NHS Test and Trace team will contact you with advice on what to do next if you have tested positive and to obtain details of anyone you have been in contact with.

“If you test positive for coronavirus, you have a legal duty to stay at home for a period ending 10 days after the onset of symptoms and anyone in your household has a legal duty to stay at home for 10 days. Failure to do so is an offence carrying a fine of at least £1,000.

“Don’t forget if you are on a low income and told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, whether you are employed or self-employed, if you cannot work from home and will suffer a loss of income from self-isolating, you may be entitled to claim £500 from the Test and Trace support scheme."

To book a test go to gov.uk and to apply to the Test and Trace support scheme go to ribblevalley.gov.uk.