Residents in and around Dinnington will be able to get tested for Coronavirus faster and more easily at the new walk-through COVID test site opening in the town from Saturday 14 November.
The site is set to open to the public from 2pm – 5pm on Saturday and will accept customers on Sunday 15 November from 10am – 5pm.
From Monday 16 November, the site will be available for appointments between 8am-8pm throughout the week. Tests can be booked by going on the NHS website or by calling 119.
The new seven bay test site will be able to run 252 COVID tests per day – amounting to an impressive over 1,700 tests each week.
Located in the Dinnington Resource Centre car park, the test site offers a more accessible location for residents in and around Dinnington and means they do not need to travel as far to the other test sites in the borough, including the Forge Island testing site in Rotherham town centre.
Following the national shortage of testing slots several weeks ago, local testing sites are once again reporting good availability, however, those needing a test will need to book an appointment at their most convenient test site before going for their test.
Some parking is available near the site, however local residents are encouraged to walk to the test site where possible.
Rotherham Council member for Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “The Council has been working with the Department of Health and Social Care to make getting tested more readily available for those who may struggle to get into Rotherham town centre.
“These residents, and others living in other areas of the borough, have not been forgotten about during the pandemic and we want to make sure that everyone in Rotherham has access to the vital services they need, from getting tested to receiving support from the Rotherham Heroes programme to getting financial support.”
Chair of the Trustees for Dinnington Resource Centre, Jane Havenhand, said: “Dinnington Resource Centre Trustees and Management are delighted to be able to provide space for the new test site in the town as it will have a huge impact on getting people in the area tested and helping us to continue our fight against coronavirus.”
Only those who have COVID-19 symptoms, including a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or loss of taste or smell, must get a test, even if their symptoms are mild.
Residents with symptoms, along with anyone they live with or anyone in their support bubble, must self-isolate until they receive their test result. It is also important that members of the public self-isolate while they are waiting to get their test.
Appointments for the Dinnington test site will be live on the 119 and NHS booking site from Saturday 14 November - if you cannot see any appointments available, try again later as new appointments are being added.
Watch our video to find out more about what to expect when going to a test centre
