New Covid-19 test centre opens at Lancaster Park & Ride

A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Caton Road Park & Ride (LA2 9HG) in Lancaster, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
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Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The government is committed to continue expanding the capacity of the network of UK test sites and laboratories to make it even easier to get tested and reduce the time it takes to receive test results.

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Testing at the new site started on Thursday, with appointments made available each day.

A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Caton Park & Ride. Photo: Google Street ViewA new drive-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Caton Park & Ride. Photo: Google Street View
A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Caton Park & Ride. Photo: Google Street View

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day and includes more than 750 sites across the UK, including 82 drive-through sites, 418 walk-through sites, six Lighthouse laboratories, and a large number of mobile units.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help 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 ten days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

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Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New drive-through sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said:

“Drive through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.

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“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted.”

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

Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: “Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight Covid-19 and help keep the country running. Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes in Lancaster, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.”