Residents urged to get tested as new Heanor coronavirus testing centre launched

People living in Heanor, Loscoe, Langley Mill, Shipley and Smalley are being asked to go in for a coronavirus test as part of a targeted community testing programme.
Firefighters prepare Derbyshire's newest community Covid testing centre at William Gregg VC Leisure Centre in Heanor.Firefighters prepare Derbyshire's newest community Covid testing centre at William Gregg VC Leisure Centre in Heanor.
Firefighters prepare Derbyshire's newest community Covid testing centre at William Gregg VC Leisure Centre in Heanor.

The test is for those over the age of 11 who live in Heanor, Loscoe, Langley Mill, Shipley and Smalley, and who don’t have symptoms.

The testing will identify people with Covid-19, enable support for those who have to self-isolate and drive infection rates down in the county.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

By finding out who has the virus, the chain of transmission can then be broken, resulting in fewer people being infected.

A test centre has opened at William Gregg VC Leisure Centre and will remain in use until Wednesday, February 24.

Alongside the test, people will be offered advice and help with financial support that they may be entitled to if they need to self-isolate and help to access wider benefits.

Dean Wallace, director of public health at Derbyshire County Council, said: “If you live in Heanor, Loscoe, Langley Mill, Shipley or Smalley and don’t have any coronavirus symptoms please come and get a test.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“By getting tested you are doing the right thing and ultimately helping to stop the transmission of coronavirus.

"Around a third of those who have coronavirus do not have any symptoms, so this testing helps us to pick up these people and make sure they don’t spread the virus.

“You’ll be given one of the rapid lateral flow tests, which give results in about 15 to 30 minutes.”

Other established methods of testing for people with symptoms will continue alongside community testing and people who have a high temperature, continuous cough or have lost their sense of small or taste should book a test online in the usual way.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said “I’m pleased that we are to open a new testing centre and hope that local people will go along to get a test.

“We are also working with colleagues in Amber Valley to identify local businesses who have key workers and will be inviting them for testing, as this is now a crucial element of our testing programme.

“Getting a test doesn’t mean you can’t still catch the virus, so please continue to wash your hands regularly, keep your distance and wear a face covering unless you are exempt.

Those attending are asked not to bring bags or other items with them that they don’t consider to be essential, but are asked to bring a fully charged smart phone if they have one.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Parents or guardians are asked to accompany those aged 11 to 16.

The centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm, and then Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

To find out what the demand is like at the centres when you want to go along, visit https://derbyshire.maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/findatestcenter.html.