Sheffield council announces huge change to Covid-19 centres as people wait for tests

Sheffield City council announced yesterday (September 14) that their testing centres across the city would only be accepting people who have already booked a test.

The regional testing centre based at Meadowhall and the mobile testing centre based at Olympic Park are now only accessible if you have booked an appointment.

Therefore, people should not drive to these sites unless they have booked a test or they will be turned away and asked to book an appointment.

It is recommended that if people cannot get an appointment right away, they should stay at home and continue to self-isolate until an appointment comes available.

Director of Public Health at Sheffield City Council Greg Fell, said: “The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to stay at home.

“If you cannot book a test, do not attend your doctor’s surgery, wait for a test booking slot to come available and stay at home. I cannot stress this clearly enough.

“It is important that you remain in your home and isolate to protect other people, including those who live with you.”

He added: “It's really important that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms can get a test, this will help us stop the spread of the virus.

“If you are unwell and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, you need to get a test.

“If the booking system is not allowing you to book at the time you call, please try again later.”

The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that people should only book a test if they have Covid-19 symptoms as it could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it.

If you are showing any of the following symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, you need to get tested as soon as you can:

- a high temperature

- a new, continuous cough

- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Most results will be returned to people the day after taking the test. However, some results may take longer but should be available after 72 hours.

To book a test visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.