Local test centre pilots put in place to help residents who have symptoms of coronavirus get access to testing are set to be extended in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire next week.
The community testing centres have been set up following a national shortage of capacity and are in addition to regional and mobile test centres.
They are being run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and a number of health partners to provide a local solution for those who are unable to get a test.
In Stoke-on-Trent, the centre will again be housed at Fenton Manor Sports Complex on 21 and 22 September.
It will be open for bookable test appointments between 9.30am and 2pm.
Only 100 tests are available each day so residents are urged not to turn up without an appointment.
Residents are also being reminded that due to the shortage of tests, if they are successful in their booking, they need to make every effort to turn up.
Testing will move to Burton on Wednesday and Thursday and to Stafford on Friday.
The booking line for appointments goes live from 9.30am on Saturday (19 September) and is bookable 48 hours in advance for anyone with symptoms.
People can book from Saturday (19 September) at 9.30am on www.stoke.gov.uk for Fenton Manor bookings and on www.staffordshire.gov.uk for Burton and Stafford bookings.
Before trying to book at the pilot centre, people should first try to get a testing appointment through the national system.
Bookings can be made via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, or ringing 119, where help is available in other languages.
If residents do need to cancel their booking, they are urged to please follow the instruction on their confirmation.
Appointments are only available for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire residents who are showing symptoms of coronavirus.
Those who do get an appointment should follow Covid-19 guidelines when they visit including following social distancing advice, wearing a face covering and using hand sanitiser.
Attendees need to bring proof of residency in Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire when they are being tested. This can include a photo driving licence, bank statement within a month, most recent council tax statement and a utility bill dated within three months and can be in hard copy or via a mobile device.
The Fenton Manor Sports Centre remains open to leisure centre users and there will be an alternative entrance for those who are due to be tested and a strict one-way system in place to ensure the building remains Covid-secure.
- Please do not turn up if you do not have an appointment. Please try to book via the national booking system first.
- Closer parking has been arranged nearer to the testing room, in the bus layby, for those with appointments, so unless directed, please do not park on the main leisure centre car park.
- The testing room cannot be accessed through the main leisure centre entrance. Follow the signs and any marshal instructions.
- Disabled access is available for those unable to climb steps.
- Attend on your own, unless you need personal assistance or cannot arrange childcare.
- Wear a face covering throughout your visit (except as directed by medical staff)
- Stay 2 meters distance from any staff or other members of the public
- On arrival, go to the testing room directly and return home as soon as your test is complete
- Be ready to verify your identity and booking reference.
Reporting local outbreaks or issues in Stoke-on-Trent:
01782 231222