Targeted coronavirus testing on Oldbury/Tipton border to end on Wednesday
Targeted coronavirus testing on the Oldbury and Tipton border will come to an end on Wednesday – after a case of the South African variant was identified in the area.
Anyone in the area who has not yet returned their completed test is urged to do so at one of the mobile collection points before the programme ends.
Extra testing had been carried out in the area for people without symptoms after a case of the South African variant was identified.
Specific streets within the wider DY4 7, DY4 8 and B69 2 postcode areas were being tested – and more than 2,000 tests have already been completed.
Door-to-door home testing has now finished, but there are some residents who were not in when volunteers came to collect their tests who still need to return them. The tests can be dropped off the mobile library in Watford Street tomorrow between 3pm and 6pm, and at Gate Street between 3pm and 6pm on Wednesday.
People without symptoms in the specified streets can still get a test if they haven't already at the mobile testing unit in the car park of PureGym in Dudley Port between 8am and 3.45pm until Wednesday. There's no need to book for walk-in tests – but if you are driving to the centre you must book an appointment by either visiting sandwell.gov.uk/extratesting or calling Healthy Sandwell on 0800 011 4656.
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell Council's director of public health, said: "We thank everyone who’s taken part in the targeted testing and returned their test to us – either at one of the drop-off points or when our volunteers have called to collect them. Our mobile library is out in the area to give every opportunity for people to return their tests.
“The response from the community has been fantastic.
“We are now just asking anyone in the specific area who hasn’t returned their test or taken a test yet to do so before the programme finishes on Wednesday.
“People should maintain social distancing when returning completed tests.”
Tests will be sent for special sequencing testing to identify any cases of the variant.
