Peterborough’s mobile coronavirus testing centre opens

The new facility opened this morning in Gladstone Park, and has a capacity of 300 tests per day - with the possibility to carry the relevant equipment for up to 500 tests.

Peterborough currently sits eighth in the list of places in the country with most cases per 100,000 people.

A North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Spokesman said there had been 29 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in the past two weeks - during the same two weeks a month ago there were 46 new cases, and two months ago there were 228 cases. The trust runs Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals.

Anyone with symptoms can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19-19 Those unable to access the internet can call 119 to book a test.

Key workers can log on to the self-referral portal www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers. They will be offered a drop-down list of local options for testing including nearby mobile units.

People can also attend the mobile testing unit if they haven’t booked an appointment, although it is advisable to do so to avoid having to wait.

Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Peterborough City Council, said: “The additional testing facility is just one part of a larger plan to reduce the rate of community transmission of COVID-19 in Peterborough, which we know is higher than other areas in the East of England.

“Please, if you have symptoms of coronavirus – a fever, new continuous cough or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste – please book an appointment for a test and self-isolate immediately. You will also have the option to attend the permanent testing site at Peterborough Showground.

“If you follow the rules and test and isolate if you have symptoms, the safer it will be for your family and friends and the better chance we have of avoiding a second stage of lockdown.”