Covid-19 testing centre opens in Leamington

A new Covid-19 testing centre has opened in Leamington.

The facility, which is located in Court Street in South Leamington, opened today (Wednesday October 21).

It will be available to residents who have booked a Covid-19 test in advance by visiting the NHS website or calling 119.

The site will take advance appointments both to those arriving on foot or by car and is part of an ongoing drive to improve accessibility for testing in the district.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, washing their hands thoroughly before and after and wearing a face covering throughout, including travelling to and from the testing unit.

Anyone attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely.

Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

The council said that the licence for the centre is for six months, but that this could change.

Cllr Judy Falp, Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for health and community protection said: “With coronavirus cases on the rise, I am making an urgent plea for anyone with symptoms; a new continuous cough, high-temperature or loss or change in the sense of taste and smell, to get a test to help stop the spread of the virus and protect family and friends around them.

"This new facility in Leamington is part of the national test and trace initiative and will play a crucial part in managing the virus in our area, preventing lockdowns and saving lives.”

Cllr Les Caborn, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care and health added: "The new Covid-19 testing centre in Leamington is an important step forward in increasing the county's capacity to test for the virus.

"Right now, more than ever it's essential that anyone with symptoms of the virus to get a test as soon as they can and to self-isolate until they get their results."