Posted on 17th Nov
A temporary local Covid-19 testing site is opening in Newark.
Local testing sites have been introduced across the country to help ensure that convenient and prompt coronavirus testing is available to residents. The site is within walking distance of the town centre and is also accessible by car.
Construction of the Local Testing Site began on Monday and the site will be operational for three months when it opens to the public shortly.
It will be an appointment only, walk-through site and anyone hoping to get a test must book in advance via the NHS website or by calling 119 – there will be no drop-in facility available. When you book your test online or over the phone, you will be notified to the location of the nearest available testing site.
You should only book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms.
If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace, you must self-isolate as soon as you are asked to do so for a period of 14 days. If, during that time, you start to show Covid-19 symptoms then you must book a test immediately.
If you start to show symptoms at any time (irrespective of whether you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace), you must self-isolate immediately and book a test. Once you have had a test, you must continue to self-isolate while you are wait for your test results. When you are given your test results, usually around two days afterwards, you will be given further instruction about what to do.
Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Coun David Lloyd, said: “We welcome the announcement of a Local Testing Site in Newark. Our hope is that it will now be easier and more convenient for residents to obtain a coronavirus test, especially those who do not have access to a car.
“We must also stress that it is important to continue following government guidance and if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you must self-isolate immediately and seek a test promptly. I understand that we have been living with COVID-19 among our community for a number of months already now and it is very difficult, but listening to the guidance is the only way to protect our community, in particular our vulnerable and older residents.”
National restrictions are currently in place across England to help stop the spread of Covid-19. You must stay at home and only leave for food, medical reasons, exercise, education or work. You must also avoid travel unless essential. This is not an exhaustive list, for full details visit: newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/coronavirus.
