New testing sites to open in Wakefield as district reports third highest rate of cases in the country

Two new mobile Covid testing sites are set to open in Wakefield, as the district reports the third highest rate of Covid cases in the UK.
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The seven day rate of cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district currently stands at 122.3 per 100,000, compared to a national average of 44 per 100,000.

Wakefield's rate is the third highest of any local authority in the UK, with only Doncaster and Clackmannanshire, in Scotland, are currently reporting higher rates.

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A total of 25,051 people in the district have tested positive for Covid-19 to date, including 426 people in the last seven days.

Two new mobile Covid testing sites are set to open in Wakefield, as the district reports the third highest rate of Covid cases in the UK. Pictured is a member of the public administering a lateral flow test at the former Wakefield Market Hall building in March 2021.Two new mobile Covid testing sites are set to open in Wakefield, as the district reports the third highest rate of Covid cases in the UK. Pictured is a member of the public administering a lateral flow test at the former Wakefield Market Hall building in March 2021.
Two new mobile Covid testing sites are set to open in Wakefield, as the district reports the third highest rate of Covid cases in the UK. Pictured is a member of the public administering a lateral flow test at the former Wakefield Market Hall building in March 2021.

Speaking earlier this year, Anna Hartley, Wakefield's director of public health, said she believed that the high number of manufacturing jobs in West Yorkshire was contributing to high case rates in the county.

As part of an effort to tackle the rising rates, two new mobile testing sites are set to open in the district in the coming days.

The units will offer walk through PCR testing for residents who are displaying symptoms of Covid-19, or are concerned that they may have been in contact someone who has the virus.

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No appointments will be necessary at the sites, which will be open from 9am to 3pm.

The sites will move around the district in future weeks, but begin in Normanton and Ossett.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Easy access to testing is really important to reduce our infection rates in the Wakefield district. Please do take this opportunity to get tested, particularly if you have symptoms.”

The first testing site, at Normanton and Altofts Comrades’ Athletics Club, will be open on Tuesday 6, Friday 9, Tuesday 13 and Friday 16 April.

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A second site, at Ossett Market, will be available for walk-in appointments on Wednesday 7, Thursday 8, Saturday 10, Sunday 11, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April.

PCR testing sites will remain in place at Wakefield Waterfront and the former Castleford Swimming Baths, while home delivery test kits are also available.

To find out more or request a home testing kit, visit the Wakefield Council website.