New permanent Covid testing site to open in Castleford this week

It is the second permanent testing centre to open in the district, following the launch of a site in Wakefield city centre last year.

The new site at Castleford Swimming Pool will open on Thursday, February 11 for pre-booked tests for people presenting with symptoms of Covid-19.

Similar to the Wakefield Waterfront site, the Castleford testing centre will be accessible on foot.

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Councillor Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are pleased to be opening another permanent testing site in the district, making testing even more accessible for our residents.

"If you are displaying symptoms please act now, book a test straight away and self-isolate until you get the results. By taking quick action we can help stop the spread of the virus."

The Castleford centre will be the fifth testing site to open in the district, alongside two mobile testing sites and a 'drop off' testing service offered by Wakefield Council and partner Conexus.

Two mobile testing units are also in operation, currently located at Featherstone Leisure Centre and Minsthorpe Leisure Centre.

And at least eight vaccine centres are now in operation in the Wakefield district, including at Castleford Civic Centre, Pontefract Squash Club and Spectrum Community Healthcare, Wakefield.

A total of 21,119 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Wakefield district to date, and at least 654 people have died with 28 days of a positive Covid test.

Anyone who has symptoms of the virus – a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of taste and smell – however mild, is urged to get tested.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council's Director of Public Health, said: "If you are displaying symptoms please book a test.

"You will be allocated an appointment at one of our testing sites and having this extra site available will improve capacity to help you get tested more quickly and closer to home.

"Please make an appointment, even if your symptoms are mild."

To book an appointment, visit the NHS website, or contact the dedicated coronavirus helpline on 119.

Residents in the district who suspect they have symptoms of the virus can also access tests via a home delivery service but people are urged to try the national system first.

The local testing delivery service is available from Monday to Friday and bookings for appointments can be made here or by calling 01924 224497.

If a child, aged between 2 – 12 years has symptoms, a test can be brought to the house for the parent to swab the child. If the parent struggles to manage this then an assisted swabbing service can be offered for children aged 2 - 12 years where nursing staff can arrange a home visit to help.