New Covid-19 testing site opens in South Yorkshire town

The UK Department for Health and Social Care opened the site at Dinnington Resource Centre car park on Saturday, November 14.

The new seven bay test site will be able to run 252 COVID tests per day – amounting to more than 1,700 tests each week.

Councillor David Roche, Rotherham Council member for public health, said: “The council has been working with the Department of Health and Social Care to make getting tested more readily available for those who may struggle to get into Rotherham town centre.

“These residents, and others living in other areas of the borough, have not been forgotten about during the pandemic and we want to make sure that everyone in Rotherham has access to the vital services they need, from getting tested to receiving support from the Rotherham Heroes programme to getting financial support.”

Jane Havenhand, chair of the trustees for Dinnington Resource Centre, said: “Dinnington Resource Centre trustees and management are delighted to be able to provide space for the new test site in the town as it will have a huge impact on getting people in the area tested and helping us to continue our fight against coronavirus.”

Only those who have COVID-19 symptoms, including a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or loss of taste or smell, must get a test, even if their symptoms are mild.

Residents with symptoms, along with anyone they live with or anyone in their support bubble, must self-isolate until they receive their test result. It is also important that members of the public self-isolate while they are waiting to get their test.

Some parking is available near the site, however residents are encouraged to walk to the test site where possible.

The site is available for appointments between 8am-8pm throughout the week. Tests can be booked by going on the NHS website or by calling 119.

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