Rapid testing centre for those without Covid 19 symptoms opens in Mansfield

The initiative, aimed at driving down virus transmission rates, opened at Oak Tree Leisure Centre today (Tuesday January 26). Another centre launches at Mansfield Town Football Club’s One Call Stadium, on Thursday, January 28.

it is estimated that one in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading the disease without knowing it. The testing initiative is in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care.

Public health leaders have started testing people from the Ladybrook, Oak Tree and Bellamy wards, which have a higher proportion of people of working age unable to work from home.

Tests are available for asymptomatic individuals, aged 18-65 years, who live and work in the wards. No appointments are needed and the opening hours are: Oak Tree – Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 7am to 3pm and One Call - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 7pm and Sundays, 10am to 2pm.

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People are urged to avoid using public transport in case of later testing positive and there is free parking available.

Testing will later be expanded to target people who work in key industries and onto to anyone aged 18-65 living or working in the district.

A spokesperson said: "We are especially keen to see people who live or work in these areas and those who work in industries that are operating during lockdown including retail and manufacturing etc. Nobody will be turned away.”

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Jonathan Gribbin, Nottinghamshire’s public health director, said it “would enable us to ensure that the necessary advice and support can be put in place so we can to break the chain of transmission.”

Andy Abrahams, the town’s executive mayor, said: “I would urge everyone who has the opportunity to get a rapid test to take it and keep showing the amazing community spirit we have seen in Mansfield throughout the pandemic.”

There is also a Local Testing Site (LTS) for people with COVID-19 symptoms, open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm at Mansfield Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South.

Anyone with a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste is advised to book a test online at the NHS website or call 119.