Walk-through coronavirus testing centre opens in Walsall Town Hall
A walk-through coronavirus testing centre has opened at the heart of Walsall as part of a bid to boost testing and curb the virus spread.
The facility, at Walsall Town Hall, opened today as positive cases across the borough continue to fall – with people still urged to be vigilant.
Coronavirus figures, recorded in the seven days to August 29, show 25 cases and a rate of 8.8 per 100,000 in the borough– down from 40 cases and 14 per 100,000 the previous week.
It comes as health chiefs in the borough announced a mobile testing unit in Willenhall will continue for another two weeks, up until September 14.
Government chiefs say the move will boost testing due to the facility being easily accessed by people without a car – with appointments offered each day.
Baroness Dido Harding, interim executive chairwoman of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: "Getting a test is now faster and easier than ever.
"Local sites will mean anyone who has symptoms can get a free test quickly to find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or can safely return to work and get back to the things they love.
"Over 95 per cent of people will get their results the next day, and anyone who tests positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help to prevent the spread of the virus."
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms –however mild – can get a free swab test which takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered online as soon as symptoms start.
The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Serco – and will offer self-administered tests for people to do themselves.
Kevin Craven, Serco CEO for UK and Europe, said: "We are pleased to be supporting the Government and the NHS in setting up and managing the new testing centre in Walsall, as well as the testing centres we are already operating.
"I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues who have worked extremely fast and professionally, and with the other organisations involved, to set up these centres having deployed from other roles within Serco. I know that they are proud to be doing their part in helping the country tackle coronavirus."
It comes as health chiefs in the borough announced the drive-through mobile testing centre at the Wakes Ground car and lorry park in Willenhall will continue.
The facility, open seven days a week, had been due to close at the start of the month but has been extended to help fight the virus through increased testing.
Bosses have said the mobile unit will move across Willenhall and the Walsall borough depending on where it is most needed.
