There has been some confusion about the opening of a testing centre in Ludlow. This article sets the record straight. The testing site will open on Smithfield Car Park at 8am on Thursday 21 January.
It will not be a walk in centre. Walk through. You need to qualify for a test. That means Covid symptoms or symptoms that cause concern. The test will be PCR, the most accurate test. You must book the test in advance.
Parking might be an issue as parking at Smithfield will be reduced. If you can walk, walk. Otherwise, park in the Galdeford car park.
Tracey Huffer, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North says:
“This is really important for Ludlow and south west Shropshire.
“There are three priorities in tackling this health crisis. Obeying the social distancing rules, getting everyone tested and, top of the list, getting everyone vaccinated.
“Social distancing is mostly observed in our area. Vaccination will be ramped up in coming weeks. Testing will ensure that we have everything in place to tackle this health crisis.”
Shropshire Council media release: A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility for those with symptoms is coming to Ludlow
The site will be open for appointments from Thursday 21 January at the following location:
Smithfield Car Park, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1RN
The testing centre is open from 8am until 8pm seven days a week. Tests can be booked by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Testing is available for anyone who has one of the main of COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature, a new cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell.
We are also encouraging anyone to consider getting tested as a precaution if they have any of the following less common symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Feeling very tired for no good reason
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sometimes ‘tummy ache’ in children.
Tests can be booked online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. People can use the option of “my council has asked me to book a test” if they have the less common symptoms.
All appointments must be pre-booked.
The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Those who do travel by car are being encouraged to park in the Galdeford Car Park and walk to the site. Those being tested will be required to following public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the centre.
Once you are registered you will receive confirmation of the time you must attend the testing site. You will only be allowed in with this information.
Strict infection control measures will be in place to ensure the testing units are operated with the highest levels of public health safeguards.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health said:
“The mobile testing site moves around the county depending on the demand. The advantage of this system is that it gives us the option to move the testing sites around the borough on a roving basis to communities and areas where it may be more difficult for people to get tested.
“The test for coronavirus is free and it is important that we all follow government guidance about getting a coronavirus test if we start to show any symptoms. Everyone who you live with and those in your support bubble, must also stay at home.
“Effective testing for COVID-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections. Ludlow residents with lesser known COVID-symptoms – such as a headache, fatigue and a sore throat – can now get tested at this site.
“A national lockdown gives everyone a simple, straightforward message: stay at home and we are pleading with people to follow that advice – not only to protect themselves and their loved ones, but our local NHS workers as well who are coming under increasing pressure.
“That means staying at home but for a few exceptional reasons including for exercise, shopping for essentials and travelling to work if you cannot do so from home. You can also leave home to seek help if you are unsafe or at risk of danger. But unless it necessary, you should stay at home and deny the virus any opportunity to spread.”
Not wishing to be negative about a testing centre opening this week in Ludlow, but I wonder how many people need testing as opposed to the number that need the vaccination? Perhaps extra resources for vaccination would be more helpful at this stage? Are we behind the curve in South Shropshire? Is this unused and spare funding that has suddenly become available? Surely funding and focus should be going to vaccination centres? Many of our 80 year olds haven’t yet received the promised vaccination, whilst I know of 75 year olds in Birmingham who were vaccinated a week ago.