Wakefield's first permanent Covid testing centre to open next week - this is everything you need to know

The new site will open at the Waterfront Car Park in Wakefield next week.

It is the fourth testing site to open in the district, alongside two mobile testing sites and a drop off and takeaway service provided by local partner Conexus, but will be the first to have a permanent base.

Covid in Wakefield: These are the schools which are currently closed due to coronavirus in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford

Coun Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are pleased to be opening a permanent testing site in the district, making testing even more accessible for our residents.

“If you are displaying symptoms 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.”

The Waterfront testing centre will be accessible on foot, though all tests will need to be pre-booked.

Anyone who presents with any of the symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, is urged to book a test on the NHS website or by calling 119.

Residents of Wakefield who suspect they have symptoms of the virus can also access tests via a home delivery service, though are urged to try the national system first.

There have been 11,435 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district to date. 465 people have died in hospitals run by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust after testing positive for the virus.

The local testing system is available from Monday to Friday, and appointments can be made by calling 01924 224497 or emailing the person's name and contact details to [email protected].

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “If you are displaying symptoms please book a test.

"You will be allocated an appointment at one of our testing sites and having this extra site available will improve capacity to help you get tested more quickly and closer to home. Please make an appointment, even if your symptoms are mild.”