A new walk-through coronavirus centre has opened in Kendal.
People with symptoms can now book appointments for a test at the rear of Kendal Leisure Centre.
Testing is also available for those asked to get a test, which could be by NHS Test and Trace if they’re a close contact of a positive case, by a clinician or their local authority, by a testing pilot or via their work.
Instead of self-isolating, those who are fully vaccinated and under 18s identified as close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases are advised to get a free PCR test as soon as possible.
Free, twice-weekly rapid testing is available to everyone in England without symptoms. Getting tested will be critical to control the virus as society reopens, including the spread of variants.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms: a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus 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, 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 at a walk-through test site 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 will start from today, with appointments made available each day.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 10 days if they are not fully vaccinated to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.
