Fylde geared up for testing times

The testing centre implemented and commissioned by the NHS Test and Trace is being installed at the Fairhaven Road car park on St Annes’ South Promenade, which has previously briefly been the location for a short-term mobile test centre.

Other temporary mobile sites have been used in Fylde but this is the first of the promised longer-term centres designed to make it easier for Fylde residents to obtain a test.

Fylde Council leader Coun Karen Buckley said: “A test centre in Fylde is much needed especially for our elderly or vulnerable residents who would struggle to travel to Preston or Blackpool.

“We have had a series of temporary mobile units of late both at this site and at Lytham Golf Academy but I welcome a more permanent structure for the coming months which is easily accessible on foot or by car.

“Anyone who displays symptoms of coronavirus should not hesitate to book a test. Please make use of the testing unit and keep safe.”

The centre will be a walk-in, appointment-only site with tests available from 8am to 8pm.

A Fylde Council spokesman said that it is currently anticipated that the site will be operational there until July 2021.

With car parking limited, added the spokesman, it is advised that anyone going for a test should walk or cycle to and from the site where possible and avoid using public transport.

Those being tested are asked to wash their hands before leaving home, wear a face covering on their journey to and from the centre and to not stop anywhere on the way.

“Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms which includes high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste,” said the spokesman.

“Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.”

Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.

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 a test if they develop symptoms. However, they should not book a test if they don’t have symptoms.

The arrival of the testing centre comes as the latest weekly Covid infection rate figures show some encouraging signs for Fylde, with the borough’s rate falling to 281 per 100,000 in the seven days to November 5, down from 333 the previous week.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “I’m very pleased to see the coronavirus testing station in place on Fairhaven Road car park.

“Once opened next week, this centre will make it far easier and far quicker for residents to get a test and get some certainty over the need to isolate if they have symptoms.

“I would urge everyone to continue following the guidelines and with the good news a vaccine is hopefully on the way, we will all get through this together.”