Public health chief urges residents in New Mills and Whaley Bridge to use new testing site

The test centre at New Mills Adult Education Centre opened today, Wednesday March 10 and will be open for six weeks.

Aimed at people living and working in the New Mills, Chinley and Whaley Bridge areas, it is for people who don’t have coronavirus symptoms but who are still going to work or mixing with people. One in three people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms and could be infecting others without realising.

This is how many people have tested positive for Covid 19 in the last seven days in the High Peak

Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace said: “We’re opening an additional community testing centre in the High Peak area as we recognise that with such a large geographical area it is not easy for many to get to our centre in Buxton.

“I’d urge everyone living or working in the New Mills, Chinley and Whaley Bridge areas to come along while the centre is open. We especially want those who are still going out to work and mixing with colleagues and public to come along.

“For peace of mind, I’d urge anyone without symptoms to get tested regularly to make sure they aren’t unwittingly passing the virus on to colleagues, family or friends.

“Let’s do this for Derbyshire so we can all get back to doing the things we love more quickly.”

The New Mills centre will be open Mondays from 9am to 7pm; Tuesdays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to midday.

Staff will be on hand to help people who test positive and need to self-isolate, including practical support with shopping and picking up prescriptions and any financial support they may be entitled to.

Those attending are asked not to bring bags or other items with them that they don’t consider to be essential, but are asked to bring a fully charged smart phone if they have one. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany those aged 11 to 16.

There is no need to book an appointment at a community testing centre – just call in. To check waiting times visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/communitytesting.