Drive-through coronavirus testing unit has opened in Lutterworth

A temporary coronavirus mobile testing unit has opened in Lutterworth.

The testing centre is operating in the car park at Lutterworth Sports Centre on Coventry Road.

Unlike the walk-through site at the leisure centre at Market Harborough, this is a drive-through unit.

As is standard procedure, tests will be offered by appointment only, so that the queues to the site are limited.

The leisure centre itself is set to re-open to the public later this week.

But the new testing unit will take up minimal space in the car park.

And visitors to the sports centre are able to park at the back of the complex if necessary.

The site at the sports centre car park will be managed by the Department of Health and Social Care and its contractors and will run, initially for a few weeks, before being reviewed.

The drive-through testing unit will operate from 10am-4pm, seven days a week, and enable residents to be tested locally without having to travel to alternative sites.

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I am pleased that we are able to work in partnership to provide temporary centres in the district to enable people to get tested quickly and conveniently.

“This will actively help slow the spread of Covid-19 which is so crucial at this time.”

Matthew Hopkin, Contract Manager for Everyone Active which runs the leisure centres, said: “We are always keen to support our local communities in any way we can.

“It’s comforting to know we’re still able to play our part during the pandemic.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Harborough District Council to provide this mobile testing unit which will prove of huge benefit to the public.”

Testing is only available for those either with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense or taste – or those who have been asked to get tested by a doctor, public health professional or by their local council.

Results from tests taken at test sites are received the next day.

To book a test please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119