Pop-up Covid-19 testing centre opening at Dovercourt bay lifestyles

A pop-up centre testing essential workers for Coronavirus (Covid-19) is being opened at a Tendring District Council (TDC) leisure centre.

The Army is using space at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles for a mobile testing unit, which allows key workers displaying symptoms of the virus to be tested.

Specially-trained military personnel will collect swabs which are then sent to labs for testing, with results due in 48 hours.

People can only get tested with an appointment, which can be booked online at https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ – though for the first day (Tuesday, 28 April) key workers can turn up with ID for a test.

Only essential workers, or members of their household, with symptoms can be tested. The test is most effective if carried out within three days of symptoms developing.

The centre, which can be set up in 20 minutes, will begin operations tomorrow morning (Tuesday, 28 April) and be in place for three days.

Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, said the authority was pleased to be able to help in the effort to tackle Coronavirus.

“Though we are not carrying out the testing ourselves we are pleased to support our partners in the health service and the military as they carry out this important work,” Cllr Stock said.

“The testing strategy will support people to get a diagnosis, and if negative help key workers back into their roles to support others during these difficult times.”

In simple terms a key worker is someone working in the health or care system, essential public services staff, those working in the transport, education or food distribution sectors or in utilities – the full definition of essential workers can be found at the Gov.uk website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#essential-workers

27/4/2020

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.