Covid-19 testing centre set to close its doors

The test centre at Pendeford Library in Wolverhampton will shut at 2pm on Sunday, May 16, allowing the library to reopen to customers.

The centre opened in January and has seen nearly 10,000 rapid Covid-19 tests take place.

John Denley, Wolverhampton’s director of public health, said: "Pendeford Library has played a really important role in the fight against Covid-19, with nearly 10,000 rapid Covid-19 tests taking place there over the last few months.

"Indeed, through testing there, we have been able to identify 116 positive cases which has helped to stop the spread of this deadly virus.

"It has also acted as a key distribution point for rapid home test kits and, as more people begin to take advantage of home testing, we are now in a position where we can close this site so that it is able to reopen as a branch library in the coming weeks."

He added: "We know that one in three people infected with Covid-19 do not show symptoms yet may still pass it on.

"By getting a rapid test, you can help us prevent the spread of Covid-19; that’s why we are encouraging everyone living in Wolverhampton to get tested twice a week, either at one of our test centres or from the comfort of home."

People without symptoms of Covid-19 who require a rapid test will still be able to get one for free from a number of locations around the city.

These are Wolverhampton Civic Centre, the Jamia Masjid Bilal, The Hub at Ashmore Park and the mobile test unit, which is currently at Wednesfield Community Hub.

More information on rapid testing for people without symptoms of Covid-19, including advice about how to take the test at home, is available at wolverhampton.gov.uk/get-tested.