Posted on Friday 18th September 2020
Local test centre pilots to help people with COVID-19 symptoms get tested in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are to be rolled out again next week.
The community testing centres in Fenton, Burton and Stafford have been set up by the city and county council and health partners following a shortage in national testing capacity.
The tests are only available for residents of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and are bookable 48 hours in advance on a rolling basis.
People should try the national system first at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. If there are no slots available, the Monday session at Fenton will be available to book online from first thing tomorrow morning.
The centres will be open for bookable test appointments between 9.30am and 2pm. Only 100 tests are available each day. Residents are urged not to turn up without an appointment.
Alan White, Staffordshire County Council’s Leader, said: “Together with our partners in Stoke-on-Trent, we have stepped up to offer a local solution and I am delighted to see the pilot scheme extended for another week and hopefully longer.
“We want to ensure as many people as possible who need a test in the city and county get one and we are working with the Government to actively find ways to increase availability of testing for local people with symptoms.
“I would also remind people that slots are very limited, so please don’t book a test unless you really need one.”
Pilot Centre details:
People must bring ID, proof of address and wear a face covering.
- Monday – Fenton Manor
- Tuesday – Fenton Manor
- Wednesday – Red Lion Community Centre, Burton
- Thursday – St Chad’s Community Centre, Burton
- Friday – Kingston Centre, Fairway, Stafford