Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed the opening of a new walk-through coronavirus testing facility at the Civic Centre Car Park, in Havant, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities. Mr Mak visited the site in its first week of operation on 9 October 2020.
Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings and care home residents, vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks.
The new site is situated to be 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 testing 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 started on Thursday 8 October, with appointments made available each day. The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which now comprises more than 500 sites across the UK, including 77 drive-through sites, 155 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people 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 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Alan Mak MP said:
"As the Government builds up its testing capacity, I am delighted that a dedicated walk-in testing centre has opened in central Havant for residents from across our constituency. Whilst coronavirus cases are low locally, I urge anyone who displays symptoms to contact NHS Test and Trace to book a test."
“This new walk through site in Havant offers our community better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of the Government’s ongoing work to expand testing across the UK to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October.”
“Everybody should continue to think hands, face, space, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted – this is the only way we can return to a more normal way of life.”
Photo: Alan Mak MP at the new walk-through coronavirus testing facility at the Civic Centre Car Park, in Havant
