More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A new coronavirus testing facility has opened in Medway.
The centre, at Christ Church, in Luton Road, Luton, is available for those with symptoms to book appointments.
Tests are only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change in smell or taste.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Testing at the new site started today with appointments made available each day.
In Medway, 477 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the seven days up to November 5, with a rate of infection of 171.2 per 100,000 people - below the England average of 245.2.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said: "To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch.
"We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
"New walk-in sites like this one make it even easier to get a test no matter where you live."
Interim executive chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, Baroness Dido Harding, said: "Walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
"This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day.
"We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one."
The testing centre is being operated in partnership with security company G4S and will offer self-administered tests.
G4S director, Gordon Brockington, said: "We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK.
"It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our employees to step up and support the government, our health services and the public during this crisis."
Anyone displaying symptoms should book a test here or by calling 119.
