Coronavirus testing near me: can I get tested for Covid-19 in Sunderland?

If you think you have symptoms of coronavirus and want to find out where you can get tested in the Sunderland area, here’s what you need to know.

Who can be tested?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that anyone with in the UK with symptoms of coronavirus can now be tested. Prior to this, testing was limited to anyone over the age of five and before this, testing in England and Scotland has previously been limited to people with symptoms who are key workers and their families, hospital patients, care home residents, over-65s and those who need to leave home to work.

In Northern Ireland and Wales, testing was just for key workers, hospital workers and care home residents.

When is testing most effective?

The test is only guaranteed to be accurate if someone is symptomatic.

The government advises that you should get tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day five.

How do I arrange a test?

The NHS explains that, you can ask for a test:

for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

For further information, visit the NHS website or Gov.uk

What does the test involve?

The NHS notes, “The test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.”

Where are the test centres in the Sunderland area?

The car park of the IKEA store in Gateshead is currently being used as a COVID-19 testing centre. Those who are eligible to be tested can be tested here.

The company previously said: ”We can confirm that a test centre for NHS staff will open in the car park of IKEA Gateshead on Thursday 9th April.

“We are enormously proud of the NHS and proud to support them and the government in this small way. We will continue to support them in the best way we can.”