New local testing site opens in Failsworth as Oldham's coronavirus case numbers continue to rise

A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened in Failsworth as the number of cases continues to rise across Oldham.

Those with symptoms can now book appointments at Higher Memorial Park Car Park (M35 9DE) in Failsworth, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.

Testing at this site 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 can get a test at the site, or by booking a test at: nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119. 

The government is committed to making it even easier for everyone to get tested and reduce the time it takes to receive test results.

Figures released yesterday (Thursday) indicate that Oldham infection rates for the seven-day period up to May 30 rose by a whopping 85-per-cent, up to 75.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Bolton still tops Greater Manchester's list, with 372.5 cases per 100,000, though that figure is a decrease of 14-per-cent on the previous seven-day period.

England's current rate is 33.6 per 100,000 people.

The new site in Failsworth is situated so it is easily accessible without a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre. 

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Testing at the new site started yesterday (Thursday).

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which has been massively expanded with the introduction of free, twice-weekly rapid tests for everyone in England. 

Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. 

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 get a test if they develop symptoms.

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.

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