Permanent walk-up Covid test site moves to former Westgate station car park

The new walk-up site, which is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms - a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste - will open today (Thursday).

Residents can book an appointment by visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

For people with symptoms, there are two permanent testing sites in the district, alongside mobile testing units which move around the district as needed

The full list of symptomatic testing options is:

*Former Westgate Station Car Park (WF1 1XP)

*Castleford Swimming Pool (WF10 5DX)

*Mobile testing units at different sites in the district

Wakefield Council would like to thank Wakefield Sports Club for providing land for the council to deliver the Mobile Testing Unit there.

The Mobile Testing Unit has proved very successful and will be at Wakefield Sports Club for the remainder of this week, next week w/c May 3 and w/c May 10.

Those who have symptoms of Covid-19 however mild, are urged to get tested. You can also get a test if you are worried that you have been in contact with the virus (if you know you are a close contact of a positive case, you must still self-isolate for 10 days).

Andrew Balchin, Chief Executive of Wakefield Council, said: “The vaccination programme is going well and is a big step to reducingCovid-19 restrictions. However, we are still on a long road to recovery, and we need to continue to use tools such as testing, in order to protect each other and prevent a surge in Covid cases.

"The more cautious and mindful we are now, the sooner we'll be able to get back to normality. We thank you for all your ongoing efforts in reducing the spread of the virus but we ask you to please keep going."

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council's Director of Public Health, said: "Easy access to testing is really important to reduce our infection rates in the Wakefield district. If you are displaying symptoms, no matter how mild, please book a test, you will be allocated an appointment at one of our testing sites.”

Anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms is urged to get a test by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

Residents without symptoms (asymptomatic) are also encouraged to take part in regular testing. Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are available for people who have no symptoms. All adults in Wakefield can now collect lateral flow tests to do at home, or book an assisted test at one of our sites if they prefer.

Rapid or lateral flow tests can be done on the spot and a result is available within 30 minutes.

By asking people with no symptoms to test regularly, allows the identification of people who are infectious before they can spread the virus to their friends, family, colleagues or fellow students.

Although lateral flow testing is quick and convenient, it is less reliable than the PCR tests for people with symptoms. It is not a substitute.

Residents can find out more about Wakefield’s testing programme by visiting https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/about-the-council/coronavirus-information/getting-a-covid-19-test