New coronavirus testing site opens in Bognor
It means more people can now be tested.
A new walk-through coronavirus testing site has opened in Bognor.
Anybody with symptoms will now be able to book appointments at the University of Chichester Tech Park Car Park in Felpham Way.
The new site opened on Wednesday (21 October) with appointments available every day.
Testing is 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.
It is 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 said to be easily accessible without a car.
Those being tested will have to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone who has an appointment at a walk-through testing site will be given guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Those who test positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days.
They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
The new Bognor site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now includes more than 500 sites available across the UK, including 78 drive-through sites, 208 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite its and five mega laboratories.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said:
"We continue to expand testing to make sure that everyone with symptoms can get a test, with our new walk-in sites making it even easier no matter where you live.
"This new site forms part of our national testing network, which has the capacity to test more than a million people a week and is growing all the time.
"If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others around you and stop the spread of the virus."
Meanwhile Baroness Dido Harding, interim executive chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said walk-through sites offer better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test:
"This new site is part of our 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."
The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Sodexo and will offer self-administered tests.
Sean Haley, regional chair of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said:
"Sodexo teams have moved quickly to set up COVID-19 testing centres as part of the industry-wide effort to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Bognor site will mean more people can be tested.
"I am proud of our colleagues who are working together with pace and dedication to support the NHS."
Anyone with symptoms should book a test online or by calling 119.