New coronavirus walk-in testing centre is being set up in Middleton

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Market Place car park off Old Hall Street in Middleton, near Middleton Arena

A walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Market Place car park near Middleton Arena.

The site will be the second walk-through site in the borough, in addition to the walk-through site set up at Rochdale Town Hall last month.

Testing at the new site will start tomorrow (Wednesday 15 July). If you have coronavirus symptoms, ring 119 to book a free swab test. You should book a test as soon as symptoms begin. Tests can also be booked online at:

• nhs.uk/coronavirus

Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Those being tested at the walk-through facility will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre).

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing centre will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people 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, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

Nationally there are 72 drive-through sites, 12 walk-through sites, 125 mobile units, as well as home testing and satellite kits being sent out and three mega laboratories processing results.