Worthing's temporary Covid testing site to move
It's as work gets underway on a multi-million pound health hub for the town
The NHS walk-in COVID test centre in Worthing town centre is to be relocated ahead of work starting on a new multimillion pound health hub.
NHS Test and Trace will close the current site on the Civic Centre car park in Stoke Abbott Road on Tuesday to allow contractors to begin constructing the Worthing Integrated Care Centre (WICC) this summer.
The test facility will be relocated to another temporary location at Union Place, with officials expecting it to reopen to the public on Thursday (May 20th).
Worthing Borough Council, which is overseeing the WICC project, is supporting the move by providing the land free of charge for the short term use. This will ensure it will not have any impact on longer term ambitions to regenerate the site.
A council spokesman said:
“While COVID rates remain low in our area, it is vital that as restrictions lift people with symptoms continue to get tested via the NHS website or by calling 119.
“Anyone can get a free test quickly to find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or can safely return to work and get back to the things they love.
“In our offer to NHS Test and Trace we have been clear that the Council remains committed to driving forward the long-term regeneration of Union Place, which received outline planning permission last year and they may have to vacate again when the need arises.
“This temporary use in no way restricts our ability to find a partner to help bring forward exciting plans to transform this long under-utlised town centre site.”
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute.
The site is 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 travelling to and from the testing centre).
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely.
Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.