New coronavirus testing facility opens in Hastings

Those with symptoms can book appointments at the new facility in Upper Helenswood Academy Car Park in Hastings.

The Department of Health and Social Care said testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

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 will start today with appointments made available each day.

The Department of Health and Social Care said anyone testing 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 to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

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.”

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