Posted on Monday 1st March 2021
A new coronavirus community testing site is set to open at Ankerside Shopping Centre in Tamworth.
The testing site, which is for people without symptoms, will offer rapid tests to people in the borough from Monday 1 March, in a bid to identify cases of the virus which would otherwise go undetected.
Ankerside will add to a number of other community testing sites in the borough, including those at Sacred Heart Church and in Wilnecote, where rapid tests are also being offered this week.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Tamworth is one of only a few places in the country where coronavirus rates are going up, not down. Not only this, the data we have suggests that fewer people in the borough are getting tested than elsewhere in the county.
“Regular testing for people without symptoms is so important because 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus show no symptoms and are spreading the virus without knowing it.
“We’ll only be able to lift lockdown restrictions as a country if the virus is under control and our hospitals can cope. Getting a regular test is one way that you can make sure this happens.”
Councillor Jeremy Oates, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council said:
“The number of people getting coronavirus in Tamworth is currently higher than the Staffordshire, West Midlands and England averages.
“We’re urging people in Tamworth to keep sticking to the rules and to build regular testing into their day to day routines. Having a testing hub at Ankerside means that people doing essential shopping can pop in for a test at the same time. Just a few minutes of your day can give you peace of mind and potentially save someone’s life.”
People who want to get a test at Ankerside Shopping Centre can simply walk-in or book a test in advance online.
For more information on how you can help tackle Covid in Tamworth please visit: Tackling COVID in Tamworth - Staffordshire County Council.