First walk-in Covid testing centre could be opened in Sunderland City centre next week

‘Inconsistent’ access to screening has been a persistent issue for North East families, prompting further concerns about tracing contacts and attempting to slow the spread of the disease.

But leaders on Wearside hope the new walk-in facility in Johnson Street could help alleviate some pressures, although they also admit more will be needed to ensure proper coverage.

“A major incident [was declared] on September 19 and as a result of that we’ve gained increased access to testing, as part of a broader testing strategy,” said Gillian Gibson, director of public health at Sunderland City Council.

“We have the mobile treatment units, we are now also looking at local testing sites, which will allow people to walk to a local testing site.

“The first of those should be online next week in Johnson Street car park, which is behind the university at the bottom of Hylton Road.”

Ms Gibson was speaking at last night’s (Wednesday, September 30) meeting of the city council’s Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

Letters have been sent to nearby homes stating the site, which will be run by the Department of Health and Social Care, will be open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, once it opens.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus have surged across the North East and Sunderland in September, with infection rate in the city now believed to be roughly triple the average for England.

Since the end of August more than 1,300 COVID-19 tests have returned positive results on Wearside.

Ms Gibson also hinted more testing centres could be opened and revealed Marley Park Fire Station had been considered as a possible location before being discounted, but that alternative sites were being considered.

She added: “The mobile testing units are generally accessible by car, but it is really clear it is insufficient for people.

“Home testing is available, but I appreciate it can be quite difficult for people to get a home test, so we’re constantly pushing on that.

“The testing site at Johnson Street will be a walk-in one, obviously that will be a long walk from the north of the city, but we’re looking to identify one in the north of Sunderland.”

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