Derbyshire Covid-19 community testing centres remain open despite snow

The new testing sites in Shirebrook, Heanor, South Normanton and Swadlincote which opened last month, are still welcoming members of the public today to get tested for Covid-19 who think they may be asymptomatic.

It comes after thick snow fell overnight across Derbyshire, with the north east and west of the county worst hit by the freezing rain and ice which has caused disruption on a number of key Derbyshire roads this morning.

Derbyshire County Council have temporarily closed the A57 Snake Pass, A6024 Holme Moss and A628 Woodhead Pass due to unsafe driving conditions.

While drivers are warned to only travel if absolutely necessary, a coronavirus test is classed as an essential journey because of the risk of spreading the infection to other people.

The community test sites are aimed to identify people who have contracted Covid-19, specifically people who do not have symptoms of the virus and are unaware they are infectious so they can then self-isolate and drive infection rates down across Derbyshire.

Covid-19 community test centres are open seven days a week, from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 4pm on weekends.

Visitors do not need to book a test prior to turning up, however they are encouraged to only visit a test site if they live or work in the local area.

Residents in Shirebrook, Heanor, South Normanton and Swadlincote are urged to visit the centres every week while they remain open.

Shirebrook community testing centre is located in the Village Hall and will remain open until Sunday, February 28 – while Heanor’s site at William Gregg VC Leisure Centre is only operating up until Wednesday, February 24.

People who live in South Normanton who are not showing symptoms of coronavirus such as a new cough or loss of smell or taste, should get tested in the Post Mill Centre which is open until Sunday, February 28.

The South Derbyshire community testing centres in Swadlincote, are located in Midway Community Centre and Gresley Old Hall, which will operate up until February 5.

Residents who have tested positive for the virus in the last 90 days should not visit the centres.

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