Two new Covid testing sites opening in Sutton-in-Ashfield

Covid-19 is being ramped up in Sutton-in-Ashfield, in a bid drive down transmission rates and help protect people most at risk, using rapid turnaround tests.
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Ashfield District Council, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, is launching a new community testing site at Lammas Leisure Centre, which will open on February 16.

And a new a walk-through local testing site (LTS) is due to start operating at Sutton Market North car park from February 13.

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Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it.

Two new Covid test sites are opening in Sutton this month. Photo: Justin Talis/AFP/Getty ImagesTwo new Covid test sites are opening in Sutton this month. Photo: Justin Talis/AFP/Getty Images
Two new Covid test sites are opening in Sutton this month. Photo: Justin Talis/AFP/Getty Images

Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission. With its targeted approach, community testing aims to reduce the prevalence of the virus in the highest risk areas.

Testing at Lammas Leisure Centre will be available for asymptomatic individuals aged 18 to 65 years-old, particularly those that are not able to work from home.

No appointments are needed, just turn up during opening hours, which are Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday, 8.30am to 1pm.

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Free parking is available on site, please avoid using public transport in case you later test positive.

Community testing is for residents without symptoms.

Anyone with one or more of these Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should book a test online at the NHS website here or by calling 119.

The LTS at Sutton Market North car park will be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

The site will be run by the Department for Health and Social Care but tests at the site will be self-administered by those who request them.

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Parents will carry out tests on their children if they cannot manage to do their own.

To use the site, people must have at least one symptom of Covid-19 and must book a test first before going to the site by calling 119 or online here.

People should walk to the site, or park up nearby and then walk to the site if coming by car.

People should also avoid taking public transport to get to the site or return home and stay out of any shops or other premises prior to their test and return home immediately afterwards

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You should also wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing.

The council will be working with partners to ensure that the site is managed and signposted to help direct users.

Residents and businesses around the car park have been informed about the likely local impact of the LTS.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, council leader, said: “As a council, we want do all we can to help tackle the pandemic

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"Ashfield residents with coronavirus symptoms will be able to access a local facility and we hope this helps reduce transmission rates in the district.

“Community testing doesn’t work on its own so it’s vital that we all keep following the national lockdown restrictions in addition to the hands, face, space guidance.

"I know people are committed to reducing the spread of the virus, and this community testing site and the new local testing site in Sutton, will help with this.”