PEOPLE living in Halesowen with possible coronavirus symptoms can get tested at a site by the Merry Hill shopping centre.

The Covid-19 test centre on Engine Lane by Merry Hill, was set up last Thursday (September 10) and will operate until September 29.

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A spokesman for Dudley Council said: "Booking by appointment through the government website is desirable, however there are some walk-in appointments - this however cannot be guaranteed and residents may be turned away."

Despite reports of a nation-wide lack of tests when the news took pictures today (Monday September 14) at 1pm, there were just two cars parked up at the sprawling site.

The Engine Lane site is the only test centre up and running in the Dudley borough.

In neighbouring Sandwell there is a drive-through and walk-through test site in Oldbury (accessed from the A457 Dudley Road) and walk-through test centres at St Paul’s Road car park in Smethwick and West Bromwich (on part of a car park accessed from Temple Street).

A spokesman for Sandwell Council said: “Appointments must be booked in advance.

“People can’t just turn up, they must book a test via the NHS website or by calling 119.”

Anyone experiencing a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste is urged to book a test.

The test involves taking a swab of the inside the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud.

To book a test visit gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test.

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