Posted on Friday 2nd October 2020
The opening of a new COVID-19 testing site today (Friday) at Keele University has been welcomed by leaders in Staffordshire.
The walk-through testing site, which is open to students and members of the public who have symptoms, is based at the Science and Innovation Park and will be open from 8am to 8pm every day after today’s pilot launch.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan said:
"We are delighted to be working with our partners and supporting the NHS in setting up this essential new facility for the community on our campus. Keele has already played a significant role in the national effort to tackle COVID-19 and we are pleased to further that support and relieve pressures on local services.”
The new nationally-run facility follows the first opening in Staffordshire of a local testing service at the Ryecroft Car Park in Newcastle. Anyone who has symptoms should book a test via the national portal at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
Simon Tagg Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
“Making sure local people who have symptoms get a test is hugely important and we are delighted to secure a second testing site in the borough, which will be particularly useful for students and others who don’t have access to a car.”
Staffordshire County Council has been working with the Government to offer more testing across Staffordshire in light of increasing demand.
Dr Johnny McMahon, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said:
“Knowing if people are positive helps us to identify who needs to self-isolate and in turn helps stop the spread of infection.
“it is great news to have this new national testing site right on campus, but I would ask everyone to only a book a test if they have symptoms or we have asked them to do so, as this will help more people who really need a test get one.”