Location revealed for first of three new walk-through testing centres in Sunderland

The site of the first new test centres will be at Johnson Street, Millfield, on the University of Sunderland's City Campus.

It is expected to open as a pilot site on Wednesday before becoming fully operational by the weekend. The other two for which sites are in the process of being identified, are anticipated to come on line in the coming weeks.

The news comes after the university confirmed another 41 cases of Covid-19, with both students and staff testing positive.Known as Local Testing Sites (LTS) these will offer easy and ready access to testing for people without access to a car or who would rather walk than drive to a test centre.Each of the sites, which are walk through only, will be open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, once they are fully up and running.Cabinet Member for Healthy City, Councillor Dr Geoffrey Walker, said: "There have been issues with people being able to access the tests they need and we have been lobbying the Government for more testing capacity so we're pleased to have been able to secure these new sites."This is all about making it easier for our residents to get tested for Covid 19, particularly those without access to a car."We have seen a sharp rise in the number of Covid cases across the city and the wider North East in recent weeks, with widespread household transmission. So it's vital that anyone who has Covid symptoms seeks out a test as soon as possible."Testing is available for everyone with Covid-19 symptoms with additional support for vulnerable groups or those with disabilities.Appointments must be booked through the national Covid-19 booking system - nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.Testing is only available for those either with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense or taste – or those who have been asked to get tested by a doctor, public health professional or by their local council.Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test without delay at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. You can expect your result within 72 hours.People without these symptoms should not seek a test unless they have been specifically advised to do so.Anyone attending an appointment at the testing site will be advised how to get to and from the test site safely, as well as the public health measures they need to follow, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre).The three sites will be in place for at least three months. They are being operated by the Department of Health and Social Care in partnership with Sodexo and will offer self-administered tests.

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