New Covid-19 walk-in test centre to open in Fallowfield

A new walk-in Covid-19 testing centre will open in one of the country’s worst hotspots for cases of the virus.

Residents living in Fallowfield will be able to get tested at a mobile testing unit (MTU) in the car park of The Armitage Centre on Moseley Road.

More than 500 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Fallowfield in the week to October 7 as thousands of students returned to the area.

Positive results amongst the 17-21 age group account for more than half of new cases in Manchester.

With case numbers soaring, a decision was made by Manchester council, Public Health England and the University of Manchester to provide extra local testing capacity for residents, students and university staff living in Fallowfield.

The MTU will be available from 10.30am to 6pm on Tuesday October 13, Wednesday October 14 and Thursday October 15.

Similar to drive-through testing centres, people will be asked to take a swab of their nose and the back of their throat to test for the virus.

Tests will only be handed out to those who have booked in advance using the government website or by calling 119.

People with Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell – should immediately self-isolate and book a test.

But those without symptoms have been advised against booking a test by Manchester council.

In a message addressed to Fallowfield residents, the council said: “There is a high demand for Covid-19 tests across the country.

“If the Fallowfield MTU is not showing as an option when you book a test, please try again later.

“Please do not book a test if you do not have symptoms of Covid-19.”

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate and stay at home for 10 days, and everyone in the same household must also stay at home for 14 days.