Three new walk-in rapid COVID-19 testing sites open in Shropshire

The testing centres are located at Bridgnorth Community Centre, Shifnal Cricket Club and The Victoria Centre in Oswestry.

Opening hours at the walk-in rapid testing sites are from 8am-5pm daily and no prior booking is required.

The walk-in sites are in addition to Shroshire Council-run rapid testing facilities that are in operation in Craven Arms, Shrewsbury and Wem. All tests at these council-run centres must be booked in advance.

With around one in three people with COVID-19 having no symptoms, it’s essential that those who have to go out to work are regularly tested so that they aren’t unwittingly spreading the virus as they carry out their essential duties.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:

“Even if you have no symptoms, you could still be spreading the virus – and a mild illness for you could be a life-threatening disease for someone else,

“That’s why we’re encouraging people who can’t work from home to get tested at walk-in centres. By coming forward for a test, you’ll be helping us to track down the virus and stop it from being passed on. And if you test positive, it’s really important that you self-isolate for 10 days, and that your close contacts self-isolate too. That’s the only way we’ll be able to break the chain of transmission.”

The Lateral Flow Tests are self-administered, with staff on hand to offer guidance, and are a simple swab of the throat and the nose. Test results are available within 30 minutes, and those who can’t work from home can get tested twice a week.

People with symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT go to any of the rapid testing centres. Instead, they should stay at home and book a test online or by calling 119.

Anyone with symptoms, or who tests positive for COVID-19, must not leave their home for 10 days. Other members of their household must stay at home for 10 days too, and anyone who’s told that they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 must not leave their home for 10 days either.

People are reminded that they must continue to stay at home as much as possible, observe social distancing rules when they have to go out, wear a face mask where required, and wash their hands regularly throughout the day.

Rapid testing facilities for key workers with no symptoms are available at the following locations:

Council-run sites (booking required)

The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG

Halo, Craven Arms Community Centre, Newington Way, Craven Arms, SY7 9PS

Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form, Noble Street, Wem, SY4 5DT

Tests can be booked online at  http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/

Pharmacies (booking required)

Several Shropshire pharmacies are now offering rapid testing for people who cannot work from home. Tests can be booked online using https://www.1centralhealth.co.uk/shropshirelft

Walk-in testing (No booking required)

Bridgnorth Community Centre, Severn Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth, WV14 6BB

Shifnal Cricket Club, Priorslee Road, Shifnal, TF11 8HD

The Victoria Centre, Victoria Road, Oswestry SY11 2HT.