New Covid-19 testing centre opens in South Yorkshire

Barnsley has become South Yorkshire's Covid-19 "hotspot", with 562.2 per 100,000 people in the population in seven days ending October 22.

The new testing site is for residents experiencing symptoms of the virus -a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

The walk-through facility can be fund at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre Car Park, Snydale Road, Cudworth.

A Barnsley Council spokesperson said: "The new site is situated so as to be easily accessible without a car.

"Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

"Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

"Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

"Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms."

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