The city has played host to a mobile facility on a number of occasions over the last few months, most recently in Wednesfield, and it will relocate to the City of Wolverhampton Council-run leisure centre on Monday where it is set to be based for the next few weeks.
The mobile unit is one of a number travelling around the country to ensure residents and employees have timely access to testing should they develop symptoms. They have an integrated one-way system that allows people with an appointment to attend either for walk-in or drive through testing.
Anyone, irrespective of age, should be tested if they have symptoms of Covid-19 such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.
The test is most effective within 1 to 3 days of symptoms developing and should be carried out in the first 5 days. For more information, and to apply for a test, please go to NHS or call 119. All appointments must be booked in advance.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Testing is one of the most important interventions that will enable the effective management of coronavirus, and so we are pleased to be able to make Aldersley Leisure Village available to host this mobile test centre.
"Aldersley has already played a substantial part in the city's fight against coronavirus, acting as a food distribution centre which has delivered more than 1.1 million meals to residents across the city. Now it has an equally important role to play in helping us prevent the spread of the virus and avoiding a local lockdown.
“The message is clear, if you or a member of your household is showing symptoms of Covid-19, please book a test. This will confirm whether you or someone you live with has the infection and enable you to get the advice you need to manage your situation. If you don't have symptoms, you cannot have the test."
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud. Anyone in Wolverhampton who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about people that have been close contacts recently.
Meanwhile residents are reminded they must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Everyone must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2m, or 1m-plus is 2m is not possible)
- wash your hands regularly
- stay at home and self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus
Separate guidance remains in place for those considered extremely vulnerable, or who are shielding. People should continue to follow the advice they have previously received from medical professionals.
Councillor Jaspal added: "Coronavirus cases remain low and stable in Wolverhampton, and we want to keep it that way in order to prevent a local lockdown. We all need to continue doing our bit to stem the spread of the virus, and that means following the guidance, practicing social distancing and acting sensibly."
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
