Covid testing centre for critical workers, volunteers and carers without virus symptoms opens in Wakefield

A new Covid testing centre has opened in Wakefield, offering tests to critical workers who are unable to stay home during lockdown and are not presenting with virus symptoms.
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The centre, run by Wakefield Council and Wakefield College, will offer lateral flow tests to staff, students and critical workers across the district.

The aim of the programme is to identify asymptomatic cases of the virus, where people do not present with symptoms, but are still infectious and could spread the virus to others unknowingly.

A new Covid testing centre has opened in Wakefield, offering tests to critical workers who are unable to stay home during lockdown and are not presenting with virus symptoms. Photos: JPI Media/Getty ImagesA new Covid testing centre has opened in Wakefield, offering tests to critical workers who are unable to stay home during lockdown and are not presenting with virus symptoms. Photos: JPI Media/Getty Images
A new Covid testing centre has opened in Wakefield, offering tests to critical workers who are unable to stay home during lockdown and are not presenting with virus symptoms. Photos: JPI Media/Getty Images
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It is believed that as many as one third of people who contract the virus may not present with symptoms.

Cllr Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are pleased to be working with Wakefield College to operate this testing site, making testing even more accessible for our critical workers who are providing essential services across the district.”

Lateral flow tests are small, handheld testing devices which provide test results within minutes, without needing to be sent to a laboratory.

Appointments can be booked online, and are available to those who live or work in the district, are unable to stay home due to their work, voluntary or caring responsibilities, do not have coronavirus symptoms and are willing to have tests up to twice a week.

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Anyone displaying symptoms of the virus, or who is able to stay home during lockdown, should continue to apply for tests through the NHS or government websites.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “This site should only be used for those not displaying Covid-19 symptoms (asymptomatic).

"Residents displaying symptoms should please act now, book a test straight away and self-isolate until you get the results. By taking quick action we can help stop the spread of the virus.

“If you are displaying symptoms please book a test. You will be allocated an appointment at one of our other testing sites. Please make an appointment, even if your symptoms are mild.”

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To find out more about Wakefield Council's Lateral Flow Test programme, click here.

The site is part of Wakefield Council’s wider Covid-19 test programme, alongside mobile testing support provided for a range of organisations and a ‘drop off and take away’ service offering PCR tests which is provided in partnership with Conexus.

The Wakefield home delivery service is available from Monday to Saturday and bookings for appointments can be made at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 01924 224497.

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