12/01/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Precautionary tests for COVID-19 now available in Shropshire

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health

People across Shropshire who have symptoms such as headaches, fatigue or sore throats are being urged to book a COVID-19 test.

Shropshire Council has increased its testing capacity as the county looks to strengthen its response to the sharp rise in cases.

Currently, anyone in Shropshire who has one of the main symptoms – a high temperature, new cough or loss of taste or smell – must self-isolate immediately and book a test.

But with more people testing positive, who may who have other symptoms, we are now encouraging anyone to consider getting tested as a precaution if they have any of the following 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.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“We are now at a critical point in our fight against the virus. Last week saw Shropshire record its highest number of cases since the start of the pandemic, and our local hospitals are really starting to feel the effect of the rapid rise.

“Effective testing for COVID-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections. Most people display at least one of the 3 key symptoms, but symptoms can also include shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, fatigue and sickness.

“These are lesser known symptoms, but have been identified as being related to coronavirus. We have good testing availability here in Shropshire, so I would encourage people with these precautionary symptoms to book a test, even if it’s just for your own piece of mind. It remains important that people continue to socially distance, wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering in indoor settings.”

There are a number of testing sites across Shropshire which 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 other symptoms.

Further information

To keep up to date with the latest advice on service updates at Shropshire Council,  sign up to our Newsroom or follow us on Twitter @shropcouncil and Facebook.

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.