New walk-in Covid-19 test centre opens near Sheffield train station

The walk-through coronavirus testing facility at Station Road Car Park in Darnall has been unveiled as part of the government’s nationwide drive to improve the accessibility of testing.

Anyone who experiences virus symptoms can get a free swab test at the centre, which opened yesterday and claims to take less than a minute to complete tests.

Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at via the NHS website or by calling 119 and visitors can expect their results the following day.

Those being tested for Covid-19 will be required to follow social distancing measures by not travelling by taxi or public transport to and from the centre and wearing a face covering throughout.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, including 72 drive-through sites, 64 walk-through sites, 236 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five laboratories.

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

Close contacts of people who have contracted coronavirus will be advised to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

They will also be advised to book at test if they develop symptoms.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “Testing is proving an effective way to contain the virus so we are scaling testing capacity and walk-through centres to make it even easier for everyone to get a free coronavirus test.

“Our NHS Test and Trace service will contact you if you test positive or if you have been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

"I urge anyone with symptoms to book a test today, and anyone contacted by NHS Test and Trace to follow their advice to protect those around them from the virus.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Getting a test is now faster and easier than ever.

"Local sites will mean anyone who has symptoms can get a free test quickly to find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or can safely return to work and get back to the things they love.

“Over 95% of people will get their results the next day, and anyone who tests positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help to prevent the spread of the virus.”

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Levy, and will offer self-administered tests.

The Government has set up a home-testing service, supported by Amazon's logistics network and other commercial partners.

Home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house.

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