Coronavirus: Rapid COVID-19 testing site for key workers to open in Wem

A new rapid COVID-19 testing site will open in Wem next week to help protect essential and other workers who cannot work from home.  

The new centre, located at Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form, Noble Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DT will open on Monday 22 February 2021. 

Booking is now open via – http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/  

 The tests are for people without symptoms and should be repeated every 3-5 days to quickly identify and isolate those who may not know they are infectious. Up to a third of people who test positive for COVID-19 have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to test people without symptoms to identify these cases.  

The speedy tests can rapidly turn around results within an hour without the need for processing the swabs in a lab.  

Rapid testing is also available at the following sites:  

The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG 

Every day  – 8am-8pm  

Halo Craven Arms Community Centre, Newington Way, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9PS  

Sundays 9am – 3pm 

Mondays 11.30am – 7.30pm 

Tuesdays 8am – 4pm

Fridays 8am – 4pm 

 Anyone with symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste) should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test   

If the test result comes back positive then you must self-isolate for 10 days and follow the Government guidelines – information is available at www.nhs.uk/…/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/ 

 If the test is negative then you must still continue to follow Government guidelines on social distancing and wearing face coverings etc to protect yourself and others.  

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

“Community testing has a big role to play in driving infection rates down, but it only works as part of a whole suite of measures including effective contact tracing, following the guidance around socialising and self-isolation, and the rollout of the vaccines.  

“Getting tested doesn’t mean people can stop social distancing, wearing face coverings or washing their hands, but it does help to make the activities they are undertaking safer.  

“People who come to be tested will be given one of the rapid lateral flow tests which give results in about 30 minutes.” 

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

“I know and appreciate the efforts everyone is making to be responsible and to try and prevent the spread of the virus. But it is now more important than ever for us all to follow the national guidance to keep the rates down, and our loved ones safe.  

“These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested regularly. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.” 

The lateral flow testing stations are being managed by Shropshire Council and are being run by fully-trained staff. We are supporting other methods of COVID-19 testing that are being made available at other locations around the county. 

How to book a test if you DO NOT have any COVID-19 symptoms and live in Shropshire 

• If you have access to the Internet, go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting 

If you DO have COVID-19 symptoms: 

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

When you book a test you will be given the option of a test centre based on nearest location to you and availability. If you are displaying symptoms, apply for a test online. 

 Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus: 

• Stay At Home 
• Work from home, if you can 
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms 
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble. 
• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test. 

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on  0345 678 9028 or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.