Mobile Covid-19 testing unit coming to Aldersley Leisure Village

Wolverhampton has played host to a mobile facility on a number of occasions over the last few months, most recently in Wednesfield.

It will relocate to the Wolverhampton Council-run leisure centre on Monday, where it is set to be based for the next few weeks.

The mobile unit is one of a number travelling around the country to ensure residents and employees have timely access to testing should they develop symptoms. They have an integrated one-way system that allows people with an appointment to attend either for walk-in or drive-through testing.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: "Testing is one of the most important interventions that will enable the effective management of coronavirus, and so we are pleased to be able to make Alderlsey Leisure Village available to host this mobile test centre.

"Aldersley has already played a substantial part in the city's fight against coronavirus, acting as a food distribution centre which has delivered more than 1.1 million meals to residents across the city. Now it has an equally important role to play in helping us prevent the spread of the virus and avoiding a local lockdown.

“The message is clear, if you or a member of your household is showing symptoms of Covid-19, please book a test. This will confirm whether you or someone you live with has the infection and enable you to get the advice you need to manage your situation. If you don't have symptoms, you cannot have the test."

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud.

Councillor Jaspal added: "Coronavirus cases remain low and stable in Wolverhampton, and we want to keep it that way in order to prevent a local lockdown. We all need to continue doing our bit to stem the spread of the virus, and that means following the guidance, practicing social distancing and acting sensibly."