A NEW walk-through coronavirus test site will be up and running in Lye from next week, following the opening of a similar test site in Dudley.

Covid-19 tests are now being offered at a test site on the Flood Street car park off Oakeywell Street, Dudley, and from Monday (October 26) a second site will be in operation on the Jackson Street car park in Lye.

Dudley borough health chiefs say the walk-through sites are easily accessible for those on foot or bike and have been chosen to make it easier for people without a car to get tested but they have stressed the sites are not providing a drop-in service and all tests must be booked in advance.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for health and adult social care said: "We hope these local test sites will make it easier for people across Dudley borough to access testing. We have worked with clinical advisors and the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure the sites are safe and secure for both people visiting and local residents."

People being tested must follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

All those attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

The sites, which complement the regional testing network and are operated in partnership with Serco, will be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, but appointments must be made in advance by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

The mobile testing unit which had been at Engine Lane by the Waterfront has now relocated to Grey 7 car park, also at the Waterfront, where it will be until the end of the month.

Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them identify who they may have been in close contact with. Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

All people attending the centres are urged to wear a face covering with the exception of children under three.

Children over three will only be admitted if they are wearing a face covering, council chiefs said. If they cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons they should request a home test.