13/05/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Lateral Flow Tests available to collect at Shirehall in Shrewsbury for home use

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

The former Column Restaurant at Shirehall in Shrewsbury has recently reopened as a collection point for Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) – COVID-19 rapid home testing kits. 

The public can currently pick up LFTs from 9am to 8pm Mondays to Fridays, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

From Monday 17 May 2021 opening times for collections at Shirehall will change to:-

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am to 8pm, Fridays 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays 10am to 2pm.   

Lateral Flow Tests are fast and simple, for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but who may still be spreading the virus. 

WEYMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: In this photo illustration, an NHS step-by-step COVID-19 Lateral Flow home test and trace kit is seen on March 11, 2021 in Weymouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

The tests are easy to use and give results in 30 minutes. Those who test positive must immediately self-isolate to avoid passing the virus on to others and book a PCR test. 

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

“Around one in three people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so a test that rapidly detects these otherwise hidden cases is a very useful additional tool for tackling the virus. 

“You can still catch COVID-19 even if you have been vaccinated or have had it previously, so it is really important that everyone tests regularly. 

“Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will play an important role as restrictions are cautiously lifted and we begin to get back to more normal ways of life.”  

New signage is in place to direct visitors to the former restaurant at the building, which is located near the old entrance, off Abbey Foregate. 

A member of staff will be on hand to answer any questions, show how the tests work and explain how to report the result. 

There are many places around the county where you can collect the testing kits, including pharmacies, leisure centres, libraries, and local shops. For a full list of where to collect LFTs click here.   

People with COVID-19 symptoms should NOT take a less-accurate rapid Lateral Flow Test. Instead, please stay at home and book a more reliable PCR test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.       

Further information  

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:  

  • Work from home if you can  
  • Limit contact with other people  
  • Keep your distance from people not in your household bubble (at least 2 metres apart where possible)  
  • Stick to a maximum group of 6 people when meeting outdoors
  • 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 any enclosed public places and public transport, along with any indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will meet people you do not normally meet.  
  • If you have any symptoms, please book a test and do not leave home until you have either a negative result, or you have isolated for at least 10 days if you do not take a test – you may continue to isolate longer than 10 days if you continue to experience high temperature.   
  • People living in households with a positive case should self-isolate for 10 days.  
  • Any contacts of a positive case must self-isolate for 10 days – even if they are asked to get a test and the result is negative, they must complete the 10 days of isolation. Click here for the latest self-isolation guidance. 
  • You can book a test by calling 119 or click here