Derbyshire County Council to open Covid community testing centre in Buxton for people going out to work

One in three of those who have coronavirus do not have symptoms, so the testing is aimed at those who are still going out to work and mixing with colleagues or the public.

The Pavilion Gardens testing centre, which opens on Monday, February 17, will identify those people who need to self-isolate and advise on available financial support, in a key part of the effort to drive infection rates down.

Dean Wallace, the county's director of public health, said: “Although rates of those testing positive are coming down we need to do more to stop the chain of transmission.

“We know many people are just not able to work from home so these new centres are aimed at those who have to go out to work. It is this group who are most risk of getting the virus and they can easily pass it on to anyone they come in to contact with.”

He added “Please, if you are still going out to work, come to your nearest centre weekly and get a test to protect your families, colleagues and community.

“It only takes a few minutes and will make such a difference. The quicker we can get on top of this virus the sooner our lives can start to return to normal.”

Other established methods of testing for people with symptoms will continue and people who have a high temperature, continuous cough or have lost their sense of small or taste should book a test online in the usual way.

County council leader Barry Lewis said: “I’m pleased that we are now setting up these new centres. It has been a real team effort with colleagues from across the council getting involved, along with the fire and rescue service, the RAF and district and borough councils.”

The testing centre will be open seven days a week – 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm at weekends.

Those attending are asked not to bring bags or other non-essential items, but should bring a fully charged smart phone if they have one. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany those aged 11 to 16.

To gauge waiting times, check current demand at https://bit.ly/3rE1Ac6.

For more information, see derbyshire.gov.uk/communitytesting.

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