15/01/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: COVID-19 testing coming to Wem

Related topics: Community / Coronavirus / Health

People in Wem are being urged to get tested after a recent spike in cases – with the 7-day infection rate reaching 824.4 cases per 100,000.

Testing will be available from Saturday 16 January 2021 at the following location:

Wem Swimming & Lifestyle Centre Car Park, Bowens Field, Wem, SY4 5AP

The site will be open for tests for attendees from 10am – 3pm

Testing is available for anyone who has one of the main of COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature, a new cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell.

We are also encouraging anyone to consider getting tested as a precaution if they have any of the following less common symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Aches and pains
  • Feeling very tired for no good reason
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sometimes ‘tummy ache’ in children.

Tests can be booked online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. People can use the option of “my council has asked me to book a test” if they have the less common symptoms.

All appointments must be pre-booked.

Strict infection control measures will be in place to ensure the testing units are operated with the highest levels of public health safeguards.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health said:

“We are now at a critical point in our fight against the virus here in Shropshire.

“Like many areas of the county, Wem has experienced a rise in positive cases. The current 7-day infection rate for Wem stands at 824.4 cases per 100,000, with the majority having occurred within the wider community with people of all ages. We believe this is due to strength of the new variant, coupled with households mixing over the festive period.

“Effective testing for COVID-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections. Wem residents with lesser known COVID-19 symptoms – such as shortness of breath, a headache, fatigue and a sore throat – can now get tested at this site.

“A national lockdown gives everyone a simple, straightforward message: stay at home, and we are pleading with people to follow that advice – not only to protect themselves and their loved ones, but our local NHS workers as well, who are coming under increasing pressure.

“It is well known that this variant is easier to catch, so we must continue to be vigilant and act like we all have COVID-19. Every social contact provides the virus with a chance to spread so please, Stay at Home and don’t make any unnecessary journeys.”

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.