Anyone, irrespective of age, should be tested if they have symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Testing will usually be offered at home or at a drive through test centre. The test is most effective within 1 to 3 days of symptoms developing and should be carried out in the first 5 days. For more information, and to apply for a test, please go to GOV.UK. If you do not have access to the internet, please call 119. All appointments must be booked in advance.
The Mobile Testing Unit in Wolverhampton is one of a number travelling across the country to areas where there is high demand for tests. They have an integrated one way system that allows people with an appointment to attend for either walk in or drive through testing.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Coronavirus cases remain low and stable in Wolverhampton, and we want to keep it that way in order to prevent a local lockdown.
“Testing is one of the most important interventions that will enable the effective management of the pandemic.
“The message is clear, if you or a member of your household is showing symptoms of Covid-19, please book a test. This will confirm whether you or someone you live with has the infection and enable you to get the advice you need to manage your situation. If you don't have symptoms, you cannot have the test."
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud. Anyone in Wolverhampton who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about people that have been close contacts recently.
Meanwhile residents are reminded they must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Everyone must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2m, or 1m plus if 2m is not possible)
- wash your hands regularly
- stay at home and self isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus
Separate guidance remains in place for those considered extremely vulnerable, or who are shielding. People should continue to follow the advice they have previously received from medical professionals.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
