Public health leaders are thanking local people in Carlisle for heeding the call to get tested for COVID-19 after over 497 people attended the Brunton Park test centre today. They are also now advising people who visited The Thin White Duke on Devonshire Street to get tested.
Yesterday’s request that people who had visited certain city pubs on specific dates earlier in the month prompted a huge response on social media, with over 8000 people sharing the message. As a result the Brunton Park testing site has had its busiest day ever. The testing site will also be open tomorrow and Thursday from 10am to 3pm for anyone that could not attend today. Testing is also available at Penrith Rugby Club seven days a week.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “I’d like to thank people for taking such swift action, it shows they are taking this seriously and that is so important. By testing as many people as possible who visited these pubs we stand the best chance of tracking down anyone who might have been infected and containing the spread of the virus.
“One of the things we are starting to see is that many of the younger people, the 18-25 year olds, who have tested positive have had no symptoms, meaning they could have unwittingly spread infection widely if they had not been tested. This just underlines the importance of getting tested if you are asked to, even if you don’t feel unwell, and following all the guidance around social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks or face coverings.
“I’d also like to thank the pubs for their cooperation with our contact tracing team, that has been invaluable, and it is no reflection on them that the positive cases happened to visit their premises.”
In addition to the original three pubs, now anyone who visited The Thin White Duke in Carlisle on the dates and times specified is also being advised to get tested. The full list is now:
The Thin White Duke:
- Friday 17th July – 7pm – 9.30pm
- Saturday 18th July – 3pm – 6pm
The Turf Tavern:
- Thursday 9th July – 7pm – midnight
- Friday 10th July – 5.30pm – midnight
- Sunday 12th July – 5.30pm – midnight
The Museum Inn:
- Tuesday 14th July – 5.30pm – midnight
Lloyds No.1 Bar:
- Saturday 11th July – 6pm – midnight
Testing is available in Carlisle at Brunton Park tomorrow (22 July) and Thursday (23 July) from 10am to 3pm, and at Penrith Rugby Club seven days a week. People can book a test at: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
If testing slots are not available online it is possible to attend Brunton Park without a booking (on foot or in a car), but you may have to wait, must wear a mask and observe social distancing.
Home testing kits can also be ordered via the national website.
Any NHS staff affected should arrange testing via their employer.
Testing is also available in Annan and Gretna. Tests can be booked at: https://www.gov.scot/p…/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/
Anyone who tests positive is being asked to contact our COVID-19 call centre on 0800 783 1968.
The key public health messages remain:
- Wash or sanitise hands regularly
- Observe social distancing rules
- Wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces
- If you have symptoms, self-isolate and get tested
- Follow advice to self-isolate if asked
